As the countdown to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies, former Senegal coach Amara Traoré, now a keen observer of African football, shared exclusive insights in an interview with Afrik-Foot.com. The highly-anticipated tournament, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast, is eagerly awaited by football enthusiasts across the continent.
In a candid conversation with Yoro Mangara, Traoré touched upon a spectrum of topics, from the prospects of the Senegalese national team to the dynamics of Guinean football.
Reflecting on his coaching experience, Traoré acknowledged the challenging path that lies ahead for Senegal in their quest for a consecutive AFCON victory.
“This is a big occasion, a significant event that we are all eagerly anticipating.
We dream of winning two or three times in a row like Egypt. It’s a formidable challenge, but the signs are positive.
The team and the coach remain the same, and their recent track record is impressive,” Traoré noted.
When asked about potential favorites besides Senegal, Traoré highlighted Morocco’s prowess post-World Cup and expressed admiration for Algeria’s strategic move to familiarize themselves with Ivory Coast’s environment.
He also underscored the strength of teams like Nigeria, Cameroon, and the host country, Ivory Coast.
Commenting on the current Senegal team compared to the African champions of the past, Traoré expressed optimism, citing the team’s continuous growth, gained experience, and enhanced cohesion.
Traoré, having trained in Guinea, provided insights into the technical prowess of Guinean footballers, emphasizing their distinctiveness from Senegalese players.
He praised Guinean football for its technical finesse while acknowledging organizational and tactical deficiencies compared to Senegal.
Reflecting on his time in Guinea, Traoré lauded the humility and hospitality of the people.
Despite the challenges faced by the Guinean Football Federation, he expressed hope for a resurgence inspired by Senegal’s unity.
As the football world eagerly awaits the kickoff of AFCON 2023, Traoré’s analysis adds a layer of depth and insight, setting the stage for an exciting tournament in Ivory Coast.
💬🎙🇬🇳 Amara TRAORÉ, Coach de l’As Kaloum:
<<Le football est un jeu mais il ne faut pas jouer avec.>>💛💚 #TeamAsk #Gbingbinso #Icicestkaloum 🏆 #Ligue1Salam pic.twitter.com/mZERbBXKPK
— As Kaloum Officiel (@KaloumOfficiel) November 24, 2020
