Senegal head coach Aliou Cissé addressed the media ahead of his team’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Burkina Faso. With preparations nearing completion for the encounter, Cissé spoke candidly about the challenges his squad will face as they begin their qualification campaign on Friday.
Reflecting on the importance of starting strong, Cissé emphasized the need for focus and determination as Senegal embarks on a new qualifying journey.
“It’s a new campaign that begins, another obstacle course after the World Cup qualifiers,” he stated.
“Everyone wants Senegal to return to the AFCON. We have players who are motivated, and we have worked hard despite the short preparation time. We are ready.”
Cissé’s confidence in his squad was clear, but he acknowledged that the pressure to perform remains constant.
“We are still hungry from our last match against DR Congo.
Everything is in place to rediscover that offensive and defensive efficiency for these difficult qualifiers.
I believe Senegal has the means to qualify,” he affirmed.
Asked about his approach to the match against Burkina Faso, Cissé spoke positively about the team’s atmosphere.
“The boys are happy to be back together, as usual,” he said.
“The atmosphere is good; it’s a family. They are ambitious and want to continue writing the history of their country.”
Despite their optimism, Cissé made it clear that Burkina Faso presents a tough challenge.
“There is no match that will be easy,” he said. “Tomorrow will be complicated.
We know that it will be a difficult trip, but it is in these moments that we must show our motivation and prove that we are among the best African teams.”
Senegal has undergone some changes since their AFCON 2022 victory, but Cissé believes this evolution is natural.
“There are changes, as is normal in football. When you look at the team that won the AFCON, a lot of things have happened,” he explained.
“There are survivors from 2022, but Senegal is fortunate to have a large pool of footballers, and the group inevitably changes.”
He also pointed out that Burkina Faso has undergone a transformation as well.
“They are rebuilding. Compared to the AFCON 2022, many players are no longer there, and new ones have come in.
But Burkina remains a tough team to face. They are athletic, strong, and direct.
They put a lot of impact in the duels and have individuals who can create problems for any defense.”
When asked about the added pressure following Burundi’s victory over Malawi in the group, Cissé remained unfazed.
“It’s not bad to be under pressure,” he said.
“It shows we have something to lose and that we give importance to qualifying for the next AFCON.
Pressure is part of our routine, and I think the players handle it well. We have never failed under pressure.”
As for the remarks made by Burkina Faso’s coach, who claimed his team does not fear Senegal, Cissé responded with a smile: “We, on the other hand, fear Burkina Faso and we respect them,” he said with a laugh.
“That is why we will do everything to beat them, even though we know it will be difficult.”
Cissé concluded by reflecting on Senegal’s past success against Burkina Faso during AFCON 2022.
“We adapted in that match and made the necessary changes.
God gave us the victory, but that doesn’t mean we should see it as a masterclass,” he cautioned.
“Today, Senegal can boast a bench capable of dealing with fatigue and injuries.
That’s what makes a team strong, and it’s what happened at the AFCON in Cameroon.”
Senegal’s journey to AFCON 2025 begins with the weight of expectation from their passionate supporters, but Cissé remains calm and prepared for the battles ahead.
