Gana Gueye Ready to Lead Senegal’s Midfield in AFCON Qualifier
As Senegal begins preparations for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi on June 13, all eyes are on Idrissa Gana Gueye, the Lille midfielder, who is expected to anchor the Lions’ midfield.
With consistent performances this season, Gana Gueye has emerged as a central figure in Aliou Cissé’s squad. Speaking at the first training session ahead of the match, the combative midfielder expressed his readiness to lead—while emphasizing the collective over individual glory.
“Of course I can [carry the game],” said Gueye. “But that’s not the issue. I’m here to make my contribution, do what’s necessary and bring the team forward.”
On facing Burundi, a relatively unknown opponent for many in the camp, Gueye remains confident and focused:
“We’re preparing for this match like the others. For the moment, we don’t know the opponent well, but we’ll see with the coach, who will probably give us some information. His message is clear: it’s up to us to impose our game and not let other teams come here and do what they want.”
With Gueye’s drive and leadership, Senegal will look to set the tone for their AFCON qualifying campaign on home soil.
