Drawn into Group C of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Algeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Senegal enters the tournament with high expectations. The Lions of Teranga, one of Africa’s most storied teams, have yet to lift the continental trophy, and fans are hopeful that this edition could mark a historic breakthrough. With a talented squad and strong performances in recent years, Senegal is widely considered one of the favorites for the competition. However, for coach Aliou Cissé, the primary challenge is not the opponents on paper but ensuring his own team performs at its peak.
“We are not in a philosophy of fear and anxiety. We are in a positive philosophy. Today, Senegal’s enemy is Senegal itself. We must focus on ourselves and stop talking about our opponents. What interests me is my team, my strategy, what we want to do on the field and do it well,” Cissé explained in an interview with emedia.sn. The coach emphasizes that preparation, discipline, and self-awareness are crucial for success, rather than underestimating any opponent or overestimating the team’s potential.
Senegal’s draw has set up an intriguing group stage. Algeria, guided by the newly appointed Djamel Belmadi, is a strong contender and a potential obstacle for the Lions. Kenya and Tanzania, while less experienced on the AFCON stage, are teams that should not be underestimated. Cissé’s approach, however, remains measured and focused on one task at a time. “We know that to win this AFCON, we will have to beat everyone. It will start with Tanzania on June 23rd. We will see how things go in the round of 16. But our philosophy is to take the matches one at a time. We know that anything can happen,” he added.
The coach’s mindset reflects a broader strategy of controlled ambition. Rather than being distracted by the pressure of expectations or the reputations of other teams, Senegal’s preparation is centered on cohesion, tactical discipline, and mental strength. This approach aims to maximize the team’s performance and reduce the risk of complacency or errors in crucial moments.
Senegal’s squad for the tournament is composed of experienced internationals and emerging talents, creating a balance that Cissé hopes will translate into on-field success. The emphasis on team unity and strategic execution is designed to ensure that the Lions are mentally and physically prepared for every challenge. By focusing on their own game first, Senegal can respond effectively to different match situations and adapt to the challenges posed by their group-stage opponents.
As the tournament approaches, expectations in Senegal are high. Fans are eager to see the Lions of Teranga advance deep into the competition, potentially reaching the knockout stages and beyond. Yet, Cissé remains grounded in his philosophy: success will come from meticulous preparation, internal focus, and taking each match as it comes. The first test against Tanzania will set the tone for Senegal’s campaign, and the team is determined to approach it with the confidence, discipline, and ambition required to compete among Africa’s elite.
In short, while Senegal is considered a favorite, Aliou Cissé believes that the key to victory lies in the team itself—its preparation, cohesion, and execution on the pitch. For the Lions of Teranga, the journey to AFCON glory begins with self-mastery.
