The Senegal team, led by Sadio Mané, is heading towards a big challenge. On RTS1, the Senegalese national channel, the Al-Nassr forward discussed his approach to this match and the tournament in general.
Three days before the much-anticipated match against Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Sadio Mané, the greatest player in Senegalese football history, shared his thoughts and feelings on his team’s journey so far.
Sadio Mané, grateful to other leaders
In a poignant statement regarding his relationship with his teammates, Sadio Mané highlighted the importance of the collective in his personal success. “Scoring so many goals is thanks to a collective that is very well organized. It’s just exceptional and it’s not easy, but my teammates make it easier for me,” he said. He specifically praised the efforts of players like Idrissa Gana Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyaté, emphasizing their commitment and determination in every match.
“When you see someone like Gana or Cheikhou running the entire field, I just feel lucky to have teammates like them,” he added. Mané also revealed an inspiring conversation with Gueye, where he regularly reminds him of the importance of his contribution to the team. “Sometimes, when I’m alone in my room, I think about it. It motivates me even more,” he shared, thus highlighting the positive impact of such interactions on his personal motivation.
Furthermore, Sadio Mané emphasized the importance of the experience accumulated by the Senegal team over the years in the Africa Cup. “You know when you play football for years, it’s normal to have experience,” he explained. He expressed confidence in the maturity of his team, stating that they know what it takes to win the title again. “For this AFCON, we are even more experienced, we know how to win it again,” he assured.
As a key player in this team, Mané reaffirmed his commitment to the collective, emphasizing his desire to be decisive on the field to help his team achieve its goals. “What’s certain is that I’m here for the team. I try to be decisive and it helps the team. That’s what’s important,” he concluded.
Sadio Mané and Senegal facing Ivory Coast
Approaching this crucial match against Ivory Coast, Sadio Mané’s inspiring statements testify to the determination and solidarity that drive the Senegal team. With a collective attitude and increased experience, the “Lions of Teranga” are ready to face Ivorians who rely on a resurgence of pride. Ivorians will benefit from the support of their fans, a source of motivation that has already proven its impact on a team’s performances, as evidenced by turnarounds at home, particularly in the Champions League.
This dynamic can significantly boost the players’ morale. Speaking of mindset, Ivory Coast has changed its coach, with Emerse Faé replacing Jean-Louis Gasset. This change not only brings a new leader to the team but also a new identity, embodied by a former Ivorian international who understands the country’s football culture perfectly.
His message is thus expected to be better assimilated by the players, especially since he is closer in age to his group, making him more capable of motivating them to face a crucial battle: avoiding further humiliation and leaving an indelible mark. In this context, the match against Ivory Coast could prove to be challenging for Senegal.
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