[EXCLUSIVE] SENEGAL : Papiss Cissé – « We Are No Stronger Than in 2012 

Papis Cissé: “Solidarity Drove Senegal to 2015 AFCON – Let’s Take It One Match at a Time”

Senegalese international and Newcastle striker Papis Cissé expressed his pride in the national team’s qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), during an interview in Dakar on the sidelines of a sports equipment handover to local football schools. Reflecting on Senegal’s journey through a challenging Group G, which included heavyweights Tunisia and Egypt, Cissé praised the team’s newfound unity and belief.

“We believed in it from start to finish,” said Cissé. “I especially want to congratulate the young players who experienced their first CAN qualifiers. The whole team showed great commitment and potential. What really struck me was the solidarity among us—it made all the difference.”

Senegal’s qualification for the 2015 AFCON marks a stark contrast to their disappointing 2012 campaign in Bata, where the Lions exited in the group stage despite having a squad touted as one of the tournament’s strongest. Cissé, who was part of that squad, pushed back on comparisons between generations:

“If someone tells you this current team is better, they’re telling stories. The 2012 team was also among the best in Africa. Just because things didn’t work out doesn’t mean we weren’t good. Let’s not criticize that team.”

Looking ahead to the 2015 tournament in Equatorial Guinea, Cissé struck a cautious but hopeful tone:

“The most important thing is that the team wins, whether I’m playing or not. We’ll take it match by match and try to perform even better than in the qualifiers. As for winning the AFCON, I can’t say. For now, we thank God for this qualification, and the rest… we’ll see.”

Senegal fans will be watching closely as the Lions aim to turn their promise into glory on the continental stage.