Mauritania national team forward Souleymane Anne has paid a tribute to head Amir Abdou ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in January.
Abdou, appointed as Mauritania’s coach in March 2022, has significantly propelled the Mourabitounes, having qualified them for another Africa Cup of Nations participation.
Anne praised Abdou, stating:
“He brings us grinta. He is a leader from the front. He is really strong.” Anne said in an interview with Actu Foot Afrique.
Abdou has previously achieved remarkable success with Comoros by guiding them to their very first Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2022, reaching the Round of 16 stage, toppling Ghana and Gabon.
The 51-year-old guided Mauritania to a 3rd consecutive AFCON, navigating a challenging qualifying group with Gabon, the DRC, and Sudan.
Despite two early eliminations, the team aspires to perform better in Cote d’Ivoire, landing in Group D with Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Angola.
“I hope to go to the 1/8 finals; that would be incredible. Every CAN, there is a surprise team, hoping it’s us!” Anne expressed in anticipation.
Anne, who is presently playing for KMSK Deinze in Belgium, has been included in the Mourabitounes 27-man final squad for the tournament.
