AFCON 2015 – Group C: Alain Giresse Stays Grounded After Senegal’s Comeback Win
Senegal began their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with an impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Ghana in the highly competitive Group C, known as the Group of Death. After conceding an early penalty goal to André Ayew, the Lions of Teranga dominated the second half, eventually sealing the win with a stoppage-time goal from Moussa Sow.
Despite the strong start, Senegal coach Alain Giresse remains level-headed:
“It’s always better to have taken three points, but that doesn’t guarantee qualification, just as Ghana’s defeat doesn’t guarantee elimination.”
Giresse credited the team’s mentality and response after the break:
“There are two matches left to play. We were able to put in the effort in the second half, which is an encouraging sign. At halftime, I told the players that nothing was lost as long as we got back into the game the right way.”
“From the moment we were behind with 45 minutes left, there was no doubt; we came back onto the pitch with the conviction that we would resume the game in a better way.”
With upcoming matches against South Africa and Algeria, Giresse and his squad know that consistency will be key to progressing from this challenging group.
