Senegal Prepare for Make-or-Break Clash Against Egypt in AFCON Qualifiers
As the race for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies, Senegal face a pivotal showdown against Egypt in Matchday 5 of the qualifiers. The Lions of Teranga must avoid defeat in Cairo to keep their qualification hopes on track, and a victory would seal their place in the tournament.
With the stakes high, discussions are swirling around the tactical approach coach Alain Giresse will adopt. Former Senegal international Henri Camara, the nation’s all-time top scorer, has weighed in with a word of caution and strategic advice.
“We should be very careful against this Egyptian team, which is always difficult to beat at home,” Camara told APS, in comments relayed by Wiwsport. “The two times we lost in Egypt, we tried to play our game with possession, but that didn’t work in our favour.”
Camara believes the context of the match calls for pragmatism. “These are the kind of games where you adapt your strategy. Egypt are the ones who desperately need the points. They will be under pressure to attack. We must be smart, stay compact, and take our chances when they come.”
Senegal currently sit second in Group G with 7 points, just behind Tunisia, who lead with 10. Egypt are third on 6 points, while Botswana remain pointless at the bottom.
For Giresse’s men, a draw in Cairo would still leave their fate in their own hands ahead of the final group fixture. But a win would end Egypt’s campaign and ensure Senegal’s return to the continental stage after missing the 2013 edition.
The Lions, bolstered by talents such as Sadio Mané, Cheikhou Kouyaté and Mame Biram Diouf, will need to combine attacking flair with tactical discipline. Camara, who scored 29 goals for the national side, insists a cautious but confident mindset is key.
“In these kinds of matches, mentality is everything. We must not be intimidated by the crowd or the occasion. A draw would be a good result — but with the right approach, we can win,” he concluded.
Senegal’s trip to Cairo will not just test their footballing mettle, but also their readiness to return to the top of African football.
