AFCON 2015: Senegal Aim to Make Their Mark as Clash with Ghana Looms
As the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway in Equatorial Guinea, pressure is building for the 16 qualified nations. The competition, running from 17 January to 8 February, begins with the host nation facing Congo in Saturday’s curtain-raiser. But for Senegal, the campaign starts on Monday, 19 January, with a highly anticipated clash against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Senegal, a footballing powerhouse in West Africa, has yet to lift the AFCON trophy—a surprising fact for a country brimming with talent. Past disappointments in 2008 and 2012 still loom large, and the Lions of Teranga now look to rewrite that narrative under the guidance of French coach Alain Giresse.
Appointed in early 2013, Giresse has helped Senegal navigate a strong qualifying campaign, recording just one defeat in six matches. Yet the road ahead is anything but easy. Drawn into Group C—the tournament’s “Group of Death”—Senegal must navigate formidable opponents in Algeria, Ghana, and South Africa to reach the knockout stage.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the tournament, Giresse refused to single out a favourite in the group. “Who is the favourite? I don’t know,” he said. “Every team has a chance of making it through this first round. Don’t forget there are players here who shone at the World Cup in Brazil. At this level, only the pitch will decide.”
Senegal enter the tournament with a squad that blends solid defensive options and attacking prowess. While their backline has earned praise for its discipline and structure, much attention has focused on the fitness of forward Sadio Mané. The Southampton star remains a key figure for the Lions, though his participation in the opening game remains uncertain.
“If Mané is with us, it’s because he’s ready,” Giresse explained. “We don’t yet know when he will play. Everything depends on his recovery. Maybe he will play the first match, maybe not. No decision has been made yet.”
Looking ahead to their opening match against Ghana, Giresse acknowledged the strength of the opposition but insisted Senegal will be fully committed. “We are continuing our preparati
on for the match against Ghana,” he said. “We will face a very good team, but we’ll defend our chances to the fullest.”
With a deep pool of talent and a renewed sense of determination, Senegal enter the 2015 AFCON with cautious optimism. Success in this year’s “Group of Death” could mark a long-awaited return to the top tier of African football—and perhaps, finally, deliver the elusive title that has so far evaded them.
