Senegalese centre-back Moussa Niakhaté has identified North African heavyweights Morocco and tournament hosts Ivory Coast as leading obstacles in their bid to defend the Africa Cup of Nations when action begins on January 13th.
While acknowledging the strong credentials held by Aliou Cissé’s titleholders, Niakhaté argues emerging powers shape as serious contenders to dethrone Senegal in Ivory Coast.
“It is impossible to hide when you represent Senegal but anyway, we are not trying to hide,” the 27-year old stated.
“We assume our role as favourite. Ivory Coast and Morocco are also considered favourites.”
Niakhaté also afforded rich praise to recent champions Algeria, labelling them “a magnificent team” capably of recapturing former heights after unexpectedly crashing out early in 2021 as holders.
However, he pinpointed Morocco and Ivory Coast as nations seemingly equipped with the depth and motivation to potentially disrupt Senegal’s dynasty ambitions.
Backed by vociferous home support and boasting pedigree in possessing key talent from European titans like Manchester United and Arsenal, the Ivorians shape as Senegal’s biggest early threat emerging from Group D.
But it was Morocco’s remarkable World Cup semi-final run that place Walid Regragui’s bold squad top of Niakhaté’s list of key dangers to Senegal clinching back-to-back continental crowns.
If eliminating Spain and Belgium in Qatar, the Atlas Lions have signalled they possess the belief and game-changing matchwinners in Hakimi and Ziyech to realise their own African dreams after last tasting glory in 1976.
Moussa Niakhaté : ” C’est impossible de se cacher quand t’es le 🇸🇳 Sénégal, de toute façon on veut pas se cacher, on va assumer notre rôle de favori. ”
” La 🇨🇮 CIV, le 🇲🇦 Maroc sont favoris et on peut dire ce qu’on veut mais y a les 🇩🇿 Algériens qui ont une équipe magnifique. ” pic.twitter.com/V86py6icAw
— 🏆 Actu Foot Afrique (@ActuFootAfrique) January 1, 2024
