In an interview with the Senegalese sports daily STADES, former Olympique de Marseille president Pape Diouf asserts that “despite everything people think, Ivory Coast is not unbeatable.” According to the Senegalese and former OM boss, “Côte d’Ivoire has intrinsic values, but the Lions must not overestimate the opponent, even less succumb to overconfidence.” He emphasizes that it’s a double imperative for Senegal against the Ivorians. Diouf, recently honored with the Legion of Honor in France, notes that “the contexts are not the same,” but he believes that “this is another challenge” for Senegal. He suggests that Giresse’s men must move past their elimination in the last Africa Cup of Nations by Lamouchi’s team.
Without underestimating the opponent, Diouf is clear in stating that “the Ivory Coast team that I saw being held in check by Morocco recently is not unbeatable, despite the individual quality of its players.” According to him, “this confrontation remains open.” Diouf’s perspective adds an element of caution and realism to Senegal’s approach against Ivory Coast.
