Just days ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Senegal’s Minister of Sports, Matar Bâ, outlined the high expectations for the national team, emphasizing that there is no room for error during the tournament. Speaking to Iradio on the program Le Jury du dimanche (The Sunday Jury), the Minister reminded both the coach and the players that the ultimate goal is clear: winning the Africa Cup.
“Our goal is to win the Africa Cup. We have everything we need to achieve this. We have a good team, an experienced federation, and a state that provides the resources. The 2019 AFCON must be the one for us. Everyone is expecting us to succeed,” Matar Bâ declared. His comments highlight the combination of strong preparation, talented players, and institutional support behind the Lions of Teranga as they prepare to compete on the continental stage.
The Minister also stressed the importance of commitment and determination from the players. “We need to be committed. We need the players to be decisive. We need them to be determined and willing to die on the field to win the continental trophy,” he encouraged. Matar Bâ underscored that victory will require both skill and an unwavering fighting spirit, appealing to the team to embrace this challenge fully.
Beyond the squad itself, the Minister called for national unity in support of the team, urging all Senegalese citizens to rally behind the Lions. He specifically addressed the country’s two main supporters’ groups, “12th Gaindé” and “Allez Casa,” emphasizing that internal conflicts or rivalries could undermine the national team’s morale and performance.
“We don’t need disunity, much less quarrels. The 12th ‘Gaindé’ and ‘Allez Casa’ are both supporters of the Senegalese national team. We mustn’t draw a red line between the two groups. There shouldn’t be any unhealthy competition between them that creates tension. They need to be together to benefit from the State’s support. We’re not going to send them to Egypt to fight there,” Minister Bâ said.
His message highlights the Senegalese government’s desire for a cohesive, organized support system for the team, ensuring that resources and encouragement reach the Lions without disruption. By fostering solidarity among fans and stakeholders, the Minister aims to create an environment conducive to success at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing the message that Senegal is determined to contend seriously for the continental title.
Tonia Hunakey
