A momentous clash is on the horizon at the Charles Konnan Banny Stadium in Yamoussokro this Monday, as Ivory Coast, the host country of CAN 2023, squares off against the defending champions and formidable favorites, the Senegal national team.
During Sunday’s press conference ahead of the encounter, the Lions’ coach, Aliou Cissé, employed a unique motivational tactic and a touch of friendly banter.
He harked back to the 1992 AFCON episode when Ivory Coast triumphed, a tournament organized by Senegal. “The past is the past. It’s a AFCON round of 16 match.
They won the AFCON in 1992 with us, that’s good. We entrusted them with something that we intend to get back.
The Ivorians are our brothers; they will understand that what we lent them in 1992. They must give it back to us tomorrow,” playfully remarked the former Senegalese international.
Despite Senegal’s smooth progress through the group stage, in contrast to their opponent, Cissé remains cautious, acknowledging the evolved stakes.
“We respect everyone, but we fear no one. We are our own enemies. We’ve made a good start, but all that won’t matter tomorrow; it’s over.
It’s a new competition. Winning keeps us going, losing takes us home. So we have to prepare,” he explained.
Cissé, affectionately known as “El Tactico,” underscored the significance of the mental aspect in knockout matches, where the game might extend into extra time and penalties. ”
It’s up to us to be focused. We are prepared for any eventuality. We will do everything to win this match.
If we can’t win it, it will be in overtime; if we can’t win it, it will be on penalties. But the main thing is to play the match. You shouldn’t think about anything other than playing the match.”
The Lions and the Elephants clash on Monday at 8 p.m. GMT, with the winner advancing to face either Mali or Burkina Faso, who play their match earlier in the evening. The stakes are high, and football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the drama that will unfold in this intense encounter.
🏆🌍 #CAN2023
🇬🇳🎙️ Aliou Cissé : ”Nous rendre ce qu’on a prêté à la Côte d’Ivoire en 1992”#interview #beINCAN2023 pic.twitter.com/zlnHaSflpH— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 28, 2024
