Senegal’s Lions Receive Presidential Send-Off Ahead of AFCON 2015
With the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations just around the corner, Senegal’s national team received a rousing send-off from none other than President Macky Sall on Tuesday at the Palace of the Republic.
The Senegalese Head of State did not mince words in backing his side for a successful tournament in Equatorial Guinea, promising each player a bonus of 30 million FCFA (approximately $60,000) in the event of final victory.
“The current squad, which brilliantly qualified after tough qualifiers in a group with Tunisia and Egypt, can well have a good run,” said the President, referencing the Lions’ solid campaign.
President Sall also reminded Papis Cissé and his teammates of a painful truth: Senegal has yet to win a continental title, despite generations of top-class footballers. He expressed confidence, however, that this team, led by Alain Giresse, has what it takes to finally bring home the trophy.
Motivation and Determination
Receiving the national flag on behalf of the team, goalkeeper and captain Bouna Coundoul assured the nation:
“We will do everything to honor the national flag and deserve the trust of the President.”
The entire Senegalese sports community was present, with the notable absences of Sadio Mané and Diafra Sakho, both still recovering from injuries in England.
Preparation Continues
The Lions are set to land in Al Jadidah, Morocco on Wednesday morning, where they will enter the second phase of their training camp before flying to Mongomo on January 16, just one day before the tournament kicks off.
With strong leadership, national support, and high expectations, Senegal’s quest for a first AFCON title begins in earnest.
