Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra says he and his teammates must give their utmost best to triumph over Egypt in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In high-stake clash on Wednesday, the Taranga Lions will lock horns with the Pharaohs at the Grand Stade de Tanger, with victory crucial to securing a spot in the final.
Senegal triumphed over Mali in the quarterfinal of the competition last Friday, setting up a fierce tie against Egypt, who also defeated Ivory Coast 3-2 to make it to the semis.
“We knew that the quarter-final match against Mali would be very difficult. Mali is a strong team and has outstanding players. But we prepared well for the match. It was a complicated match, but we stayed focused and did what was necessary to qualify” he told Canal Plus.
“We can perform better. We have players capable of giving more. So far, we haven’t given 100% of what we have. This is my first Africa Cup of Nations, and to be in the semi-finals is a dream.”
“The opponents are at a very high level, and this forces us to give our best. We cannot play with half an effort, especially in the middle of the field. You must give 1000%.”
“The competition within the team is very intense. There are outstanding players everywhere, whether at the clubs or in the national team. This competition pushes us to surpass ourselves.”
He continued, “Any team can win the Africa Cup of Nations. It is not necessarily the best team on paper that wins, but rather the most cohesive and united team that lives together well.”
“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations for my country is priceless. There is no greater goal than that. Seeing the pictures of winning the 2021 title brought tears to my eyes. This is exactly what we want to experience again”
The match between Egypt and Senegal is a repeat of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon, where the Taranga Lions triumphed over the Pharaohs to clinch their first AFCON title.
Besides, the Taranga Lions prevented the North African country from securing a spot in the upcoming 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.
The winner of the match is scheduled to face the winner of the Morocco vs Nigeria match in the tournament.
