Senegal’s central defender, Abdou Diallo, has emphasized the need for a shift in mindset as the team readies itself to face Burundi in Lilongwe this Monday at 13:00 GMT. Following a disappointing draw against Burkina Faso, Diallo acknowledged that the Lions must take responsibility and deliver a stronger performance to secure victory in their upcoming AFCON qualifier.
Reflecting on the team’s recent outing, Diallo expressed the squad’s awareness of the challenge ahead. “I don’t have the feeling that we were looked at with a certain complex before.
The teams have always made it difficult for us. There is no easy match. And against Burundi, we expect a team that will want to win, especially after winning its first match.
We must be ready for that, but it is our performance that will give the impression of an easy or difficult match.”
Senegal’s draw against Burkina Faso left the team and its supporters frustrated, but Diallo is quick to point out that the team must now focus on the task at hand.
“There was disappointment, it’s normal and logical. But we are used to playing very regularly and having the opportunity to redeem ourselves.
We quickly switched to this match against Burundi. What’s done is done, we can’t change it.”
Diallo’s comments reflect a sense of accountability within the team. He emphasized that the players, rather than the coaching staff, bear the ultimate responsibility for the outcome on the field.
“It’s us, the players, who are on the field and we’re not used to hiding and finding excuses.
The coach puts his game plan in place, but we’re the ones who lead it. We don’t hide, we have our responsibilities, and we have to take them.”
The match against Burundi is a crucial one for Senegal, with the team needing to bounce back after their underwhelming start to the AFCON qualifiers.
Diallo made it clear that the focus is solely on winning. “We’ll have to respond tomorrow, we have to win, we don’t care about the rest.”
As Senegal prepares for this important fixture, Diallo’s call for accountability and a stronger attitude on the pitch underscores the team’s determination to turn things around.
The Lions know that nothing short of a victory will satisfy their fans or themselves, and they are ready to take on the challenge that awaits them in Lilongwe.
