Sadio Mane, the star of the Senegal national team, foresees an exceptionally strong competition in the upcoming edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal aims to defend the title they clinched in the previous edition of the tournament.
Speaking to CAF’s official website, Mane stated, “We know that retaining the title will not be easy, but we will be in Ivory Coast to give our utmost effort and attempt to progress through all the stages.”
He added, “We expect tough competition.
This edition will be one of the strongest because all the major teams are present, each with its own ambitions, but we will see what happens.”
The Teranga Lions find themselves in Group C alongside Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia.
Mane continued, “Winning the Africa Cup of Nations was the best title I have achieved in my life, and doing it again would be a remarkable and significant achievement.”
He concluded, “Winning the Africa Cup of Nations again will have a profound impact on Senegalese football because we have won all the other titles in various categories, which is fantastic for our country.”
Senegal will commence their title defense journey against Gambia on Monday, January 15, followed by a clash with Cameroon three days later.
The Senegalese national team will conclude the group stage matches against Guinea on Wednesday, January 23, with all the Group C games taking place at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
