Senegal Aim to Secure AFCON Quarter-Final Spot Against South Africa
Fresh from a dramatic injury-time victory over Ghana, Senegal are looking to build momentum as they prepare to face South Africa in their second Group C match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. A win on Friday would send Alain Giresse’s side through to the quarter-finals.
The Lions of Teranga snatched a 2-1 win over the Black Stars on the opening day, but Giresse insists his team remains grounded and focused. “This is a qualifying match,” the French coach said ahead of the clash. “South Africa may be a lesser-known side, but on the pitch, they have quality—particularly in attack.”
Bafana Bafana impressed in their opening fixture despite a 3-1 defeat to Algeria, where they initially led before succumbing to second-half pressure. Senegal are wary of the danger the South Africans pose and are not underestimating their opponents.
Giresse remains cautious, brushing aside any suggestion that the win over Ghana alters his team’s mindset. “The victory doesn’t change anything in our approach,” he told Sud Quotidien. “We remain focused on our objective: to play well against a very good team, as we saw against Algeria.”
Senegal’s promising start to the tournament has raised expectations, but Giresse is keen to temper any external hype. “This new ‘status’ being mentioned is something we don’t pay attention to. These are external assessments. We stay focused on our task.”
With a place in the last eight on the line, Senegal will be determined to confirm their strong start and secure early qualification from a competitive Group C.
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