Seventy-two hours after the Lions’ meeting with the Elephants in Casablanca, sports dailies continue to assess and speculate on the future of Alain Giresse and his team.
In an interview with the sports daily, Giresse emphasized that there is still much work to be done, despite the reference match against Ivory Coast. He stated that the team is progressing with a new system, but there is a need for refinement. Giresse reassured supporters about the team’s establishment, emphasizing his continuous effort to build and improve the squad.
Regarding the future and the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), Giresse expressed caution, emphasizing that nothing is guaranteed. He mentioned the unpredictability of high-level football and urged against excessive excitement. Giresse acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasized the need to maintain focus.
The relationship between Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba and Senegalese defender Papy Djilabodji during the match was also discussed. Djilabodji claimed that Drogba refused to exchange jerseys, citing alleged misconduct during the game. Despite this, Djilabodji received praise for his performance, with WAA SPORTS suggesting he has the potential to become a leader in the national team.
The article also highlighted four priorities for Giresse before the next CAN 2015 qualifiers: consolidating achievements, finalizing the team composition, defining clear roles and a reliable game plan, and finding a technical leader to provide stability.
In another context, the Minister of Sports, Mbagnick Ndiaye, addressed the renovation of the Léopold Senghor stadium, citing completed funding but pending procedures. He emphasized that the delay is not due to a lack of will from the government.
Both sports dailies also covered the World Cup qualifiers in Europe, particularly the matches between France and Ukraine, as well as Sweden and Portugal, describing them as decisive encounters.
