For Pape Gueye and the Senegal national team, the objective for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is simple: win the trophy.
After a disappointing exit in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2023, the Teranga Lions are determined to reclaim their place at the top of African football.
Gueye, who played a key role in Senegal’s qualification, has made it clear that the team is fully focused on winning their second AFCON title.
“We are ambitious. We want to win AFCON 2025,” Gueye declared. “It’s a huge challenge, but we know what it takes to be champions.”
The Pain of 2023 Still Lingers
Senegal entered the 2023 tournament as the defending champions and were one of the favourites.
However, their journey was cut short after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the Round of 16. For Gueye, that elimination remains a painful memory but also serves as motivation.
“We were disappointed, but we learned from that loss,” he admitted. “This time, we need to be even more prepared, more determined.”
A Strong Squad for a Tough Challenge
Senegal has been drawn in Group D alongside DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. While they are expected to progress from the group, Gueye insists that no opponent should be underestimated.
“There are no easy games in AFCON. Every team that qualified deserves to be here. We need to stay focused from the first match,” he said.
Senegal’s squad is filled with talent and experience, with Gueye playing alongside established stars like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, as well as emerging talents like Pape Matar Sarr and Lamine Camara. Gueye believes that this blend of youth and experience will be key to their success.
“We have a great team. Some players have been here for years, and we have young talents coming through. We all have the same goal – to win.”
Aiming for Another Historic Triumph
Senegal claimed their first-ever AFCON title in 2021, defeating Egypt in the final after years of heartbreak in previous tournaments. Winning a second title in 2025 would cement their status as one of Africa’s greatest teams.
Gueye is confident that the team’s hunger and desire will make the difference in Morocco.
“We know what it takes to win. We have been there before. We are coming to compete, not just to participate,” he stated firmly.
Morocco 2025: A New Opportunity for Glory
With AFCON 2025 set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Gueye and his teammates are already focused on their preparations.
Senegal’s fans will be expecting nothing less than another championship, and Gueye knows that the pressure will be high. However, he embraces the challenge.
“The dream is to lift the trophy again. It won’t be easy, but we believe in ourselves,” he concluded.
As the countdown to AFCON 2025 begins, one thing is certain: Senegal is coming to Morocco with one goal – to win it all.
