Senegal Coach Alain Giresse Focuses on Next Challenge After Win Over Botswana
Returning to Dakar on Thursday morning, Senegal’s national team and coaching staff were still celebrating their solid 2-0 victory over Botswana in Gaborone, a crucial match in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite the win, Senegal’s coach Alain Giresse was measured in his assessment of the team’s performance. Comparing the match to Senegal’s earlier 2-0 triumph against Egypt on September 5 in Dakar, Giresse stated bluntly, “The team did not play any better this Wednesday against the Botswana Zebras.”
“The objective was to secure three points, and the team accomplished that,” he added. “Even though Botswana may not be considered a powerhouse in African football, they showed that they have their own value and fought hard.”
Looking ahead to the decisive October 11 fixture against Tunisia, Giresse was clear about his team’s focus: “We have to beat Tunisia and nothing else. Securing three points in that match will put us back on track. We won’t have officially qualified yet, but we will be in a strong position.”
Currently, Senegal and Tunisia both sit atop Group G with six points each. The upcoming clash between the Lions and the Carthage Eagles promises to be a pivotal encounter, widely viewed as a group “final” that could determine qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The win over Botswana marked Senegal’s second consecutive victory in the qualifiers, continuing their positive start to the campaign. Goals from Sadio Mané and Dame Ndoye ensured a controlled win, maintaining Senegal’s position as serious contenders in the group.
With a tough fixture against Tunisia looming, Giresse and his players know that maintaining focus and form will be critical if they are to advance to the tournament and make an impact.
Focuses on Next Challenge After Win Over Botswana
Returning to Dakar on Thursday morning, Senegal’s national team and coaching staff were still celebrating their solid 2-0 victory over Botswana in Gaborone, a crucial match in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Despite the win, Senegal’s coach Alain Giresse was measured in his assessment of the team’s performance. Comparing the match to Senegal’s earlier 2-0 triumph against Egypt on September 5 in Dakar, Giresse stated bluntly, “The team did not play any better this Wednesday against the Botswana Zebras.”
“The objective was to secure three points, and the team accomplished that,” he added. “Even though Botswana may not be considered a powerhouse in African football, they showed that they have their own value and fought hard.”
Looking ahead to the decisive October 11 fixture against Tunisia, Giresse was clear about his team’s focus: “We have to beat Tunisia and nothing else. Securing three points in that match will put us back on track. We won’t have officially qualified yet, but we will be in a strong position.”
Currently, Senegal and Tunisia both sit atop Group G with six points each. The upcoming clash between the Lions and the Carthage Eagles promises to be a pivotal encounter, widely viewed as a group “final” that could determine qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The win over Botswana marked Senegal’s second consecutive victory in the qualifiers, continuing their positive start to the campaign. Goals from Sadio Mané and Dame Ndoye ensured a controlled win, maintaining Senegal’s position as serious contenders in the group.
With a tough fixture against Tunisia looming, Giresse and his players know that maintaining focus and form will be critical if they are to advance to the tournament and make an impact.
