After the group stage of AFCON 2023, it’s time for the assessment at CAF. While awaiting the upcoming Round of 16 starting on Saturday, Senegal has been rewarded for its prowess in Group C.
Commencing on January 13th, AFCON 2023 has reached a decisive stage. Starting from next Saturday, it will be the final stretch towards the trophies, notably featuring the Round of 16. To determine the 16 teams qualifying for the knockout stage, 24 countries competed in groups of four teams. With twists and incredible turnarounds, there were many surprises, including the elimination of teams like Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana, despite being touted as favorites in their respective groups. During this group stage, only Senegal showed dominance. This Thursday, CAF confirmed this superiority.
Aliou Cissé crowned by CAF
Placed in Group C, known as the “Group of Death,” alongside Gambia, Cameroon, and Guinea Conakry, Senegal didn’t falter. Without difficulty, the team led by Aliou Cissé won all three group stage matches, scoring 8 goals and conceding only one. Unstoppable, the defending champions began their campaign with an easy 3-0 victory over Gambia before defeating the Indomitable Lions 3-1. On the final day, the Senegalese won the derby against Guinea with a 3-0 scoreline.
Thanks to these achievements, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) designated Aliou Cissé as the best coach during the group stage of AFCON 2023. Always composed on the sidelines, the former Senegalese defender consistently fielded the right team and made tactical adjustments that allowed his team to escape unscathed each time. Against the Ivory Coast Elephants in the Round of 16 next Monday, having the flair and executing a perfect strategy will be crucial in the pursuit of a second consecutive AFCON title.
Lamine Camara, best young player
Continuing with the awards after the group stage, CAF acknowledged the performance of Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara. In his first Africa Cup of Nations, the 20-year-old player elevated his status with outstanding displays in the first two matches. Right from the start of the competition, the player who plays for Metz scored a spectacular brace in the opening game. Consistently receiving high marks, the Senegalese player thoroughly deserves the title of the best young player in the first part. Despite missing the final group stage match against Guinea due to injury, Lamine Camara will be crucial in Senegal’s setup for the rest of the competition.
Against the formidable Ivorian midfielders, Aliou Cissé will rely on the tenacity of Camara and his midfield companions, especially Pape Matar Sarr and Pape Gueye, to counter the plans of the tournament’s host nation in AFCON 2023. Determined to make a positive impression after a disastrous group stage, Ivory Coast is preparing seriously and is in negotiations with France for the loan of Hervé Renard for this crucial match. The stakes are high for Senegal, whose clear objective is to win AFCON.
Note that CAF awarded the title of the best goalkeeper to the goalkeeper of Equatorial Guinea, Jesus Owono. Despite conceding 3 goals during the group stage, the Nzalang Nacional goalkeeper was preferred over Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, who only conceded one goal.
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