After a four-month suspension for an unexpected departure from Watford to Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2020, Pape Gueye’s return to action this week rekindles hopes for his participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
National coach Aliou Cissé shared insights on Gueye’s potential return to the Lions, considering the tournament scheduled from January 13th to February 11th, 2024.
Wednesday marked Pape Gueye’s competitive comeback. In the recent ‘Olympico’ clash during the Ligue 1’s 10th round against Olympique Lyonnais, the towering midfielder (6’2″) made his season debut.
With the score already settled at 3-0 courtesy of an outstanding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang performance, who provided two crucial assists and netted the final goal for Marseille at the Velodrome, the 24-year-old substituted Azzedine Ounahi in the 84th minute.
Gueye, who previously played for Sevilla, aims to build on this performance this Sunday against Lorient in the 15th round, intending to impress coach Gennaro Gattuso gradually.
His aspirations include increasing his chances of securing a spot on Aliou Cissé’s list for the AFCON.
✅ Pape Gueye🇸🇳🦁 est de retour❤️❤️❤️! pic.twitter.com/5KuHnsIhCz
— Footsen⭐ (@footsen221) December 6, 2023
Within the national team, his dedication and commitment have been highly valued, fostering a willingness to assist him in regaining his best form, among the likes of Sadio Mané and others.
“We’ve always kept in touch… We understand that returning to one’s best form doesn’t happen in a week. What’s important now is to see him on the pitch. He will gain that volume, that rhythm, gradually from this Lyon match onwards,” shared Aliou Cissé in an interview with the French regional daily, La Provence.
This perspective from the Montreuil native hints at his potential comeback.
Despite the emergence of players like Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr, Gueye’s presence at the AFCON appears more than plausible, as the nation aims high with its finest talents.
