The Senegal National Team embarks on its AFCON 2023 campaign this Monday at 2:00 p.m. GMT, aiming to secure a second African championship title. The Lions face Gambia in a match that, on paper, appears within their reach but presents a formidable opponent with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Despite challenges such as injuries to key players like Seny Dieng and Boulaye Dia, and uncertainties surrounding the availability of others like Idrissa Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, and Nampalys Mendy, the rejuvenated Senegal National Team, under the leadership of coach Aliou Cissé, is poised to defend its continental title.
The encounter at the Charles-Konan-Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro marks the beginning of a significant challenge for Senegalese football—aiming for a double achievement unseen in 14 years in the African Cup.
The team seeks to join the elite group of nations that have retained their continental title, including Egypt, Ghana, and Cameroon, and become the first since 2010.
Senegal shoulders the burden of the title with determination, led by experienced players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyaté, and Sadio Mané.
The team aims to overcome the historical challenges that reigning champions often face at tournaments.
Coach Aliou Cissé emphasizes the commitment to giving their best in the tournament: “I am neither God nor a prophet. I’m a coach, and I don’t have a magic wand to change things.
The only thing I can do today is do my best. The only thing we can do is do our best. Whenever there are important deadlines, you know, we will always do our best.”
Balancing experience with youth, Cissé looks to find the perfect combination within the squad.
Young talents like Moussa Niakhaté, Ismail Jakobs, Lamine Camara, Iliman Ndiaye, Abdallah Sima, and Nicolas Jackson may feature prominently alongside experienced champions.
Facing Senegal in the opening match, Gambia, a revelation in the last AFCON, approaches the game with nothing to lose.
Despite challenges like the absence of suspended Ablie Jallow and Ebrima Colley, Gambia, under coach Tom Saintfiet, will seek to play the match of their lives without any inhibitions.
Coach Cissé acknowledges the potential threat: “If there is really a team in Africa which has taken a leap forward and which has progressed in terms of results, it is Gambia.
It’s a difficult match that awaits us. We don’t underestimate anyone. The Gambia of 20 years ago is not the Gambia of today.
We take them with a lot of respect as we approach this match to be able to achieve the best possible result.”
As the Lions face the Scorpions, the football world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama of the AFCON 2023, where favorites Senegal encounter a determined Gambia, setting the stage for thrilling matches ahead.
