Moussa Sow: Senegal Must Prove Its Strength in ‘Difficult’ 2015 AFCON Qualifying Group
Fresh off winning the Turkish league title with Fenerbahçe, Senegalese striker Moussa Sow has turned his attention to national duties, acknowledging the uphill task awaiting the Lions of Teranga in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. In an interview with Senegalese sports daily Stades, the former Lille forward admitted that Senegal has been handed a tough qualifying draw.
“Senegal is in a difficult group,” Sow said candidly, referencing their placement alongside North African heavyweights Egypt and Tunisia. “These teams may have been inconsistent in recent years, but make no mistake — everyone is hungry to qualify for the 2015 CAN.”
The striker believes this challenge presents an opportunity for Senegal to rise to the occasion and prove its pedigree. “It’s up to Senegal to show that we have enormous potential, to qualify convincingly and, above all, silence our critics. Because there are people who still look at the Senegalese team with doubt.”
Sow, a key figure in Senegal’s national setup, emphasised the importance of unity and mental resilience — qualities he says were on display during their strong performance against Ivory Coast in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. “The secret is to stay strong and united, like we were in the match against Ivory Coast,” he said.
Despite the strength of their group rivals, the 28-year-old remains optimistic. “Nothing is impossible. Even facing teams like Egypt and Tunisia, we can succeed. We don’t know yet if the coach will make changes — either in players or tactical systems — but the group will be ready to move forward.”
Senegal, which has often boasted talented squads but underperformed on the continental stage, will be under scrutiny as they prepare to navigate one of the most competitive qualifying groups. For Sow and his teammates, the mission is clear: reclaim a place among Africa’s elite and deliver the results their fans expect.
The Lions of Teranga will now look to build on Sow’s leadership and recent club success as they gear up for a challenging but not insurmountable road to Morocco 2015.
