The description provides insight into the expectations and ambitions of the Niger national football team, known as Mena, as they participate in the African Cup of Nations (CAN). Here’s a summary:
Background:
- Niger is participating in its fourth match in the CAN final phase, with the previous three matches taking place during the 2012 CAN.
- The upcoming match is against Mali in Port Elizabeth.
Previous Experience:
- The description mentions a fiasco in the first experience (2012 CAN) with three defeats in as many matches.
- Niger aims to improve upon their past performance and not be perceived as the distributor of points in their group.
Leadership and Ambitions:
- Genort Rohr, the former coach of the Gabon national team, is leading Mena in this campaign.
- The coach expresses ambition, stating that the team learned from the difficulties of the previous CAN and aims to play competitively this time.
Expectations and Ambitions:
- The team is said to have ambitions and aims to produce good quality football.
- The focus is on making life difficult for adversaries, showcasing a determination to compete at a higher level.
- The coach emphasizes that Niger has evolved and is no longer an “altar boy,” indicating a desire to prove their competitiveness on the field.
Common Dream:
- The shared dream is described as making life difficult for opponents, regardless of their pedigree.
- The team’s performance will be assessed at the end of the first round, and there is a call to dream and believe in Niger’s capabilities.
The narrative provides a glimpse into the mindset and aspirations of the Niger national team, highlighting their determination to compete at a higher level and make an impact in the CAN tournament. The emphasis on gaining experience and proving themselves on the field reflects a positive and ambitious outlook.