Senegal, the reigning champions, find themselves in a position to break the spell that has haunted defending champions since 2008. While superstitions about the champion’s curse linger, the streets of Dakar are brimming with optimism, suggesting a prevailing belief in the possibility of a back-to-back triumph.
Senegal’s historic victory in February 2022 marked their maiden AFCON title, and now, under the helm of coach Aliou Cissé, the Lions of Teranga are poised to etch another chapter in their footballing history.
The anticipation and faith in Senegal’s success are palpable, with fans and observers expressing confidence in the team’s maturity, strengthened squad, and reduced pressure compared to the 2021 edition.
Thousands of Senegalese supporters are expected to flock to Yamoussoukro to rally behind their team in a challenging Group C, not only due to the geographical accessibility of Côte d’Ivoire but also to witness the narrative of Sadio Mané and company vying for a consecutive title.
The prevailing optimism is grounded in Senegal’s recent successful outings, including a noteworthy victory against Brazil and a triumph over Cameroon, a team historically challenging for Senegal.
The team’s commendable performance in World Cup qualifiers, despite Mané’s absence, and an undefeated record in the qualifiers have further fueled the confidence of fans.
While acknowledging the historical challenges defending champions face in AFCON, supporters highlight the balance in Senegal’s current squad, a blend of experienced senior players and emerging youth talents.
The presence of players in their fourth and fifth AFCON tournaments, coupled with lessons learned from past campaigns, positions Senegal as a formidable force.
The belief in Senegal’s success is not merely wishful thinking but is bolstered by the team’s close-knit camaraderie and Aliou Cissé’s adept leadership.
Despite integrating several injured or convalescing players into the squad, fans remain unwavering in their dream of a back-to-back triumph.
The longevity of Cissé’s tenure and the cohesive team spirit provide a solid foundation for Senegal’s campaign.
While the challenges in Group C are acknowledged, with formidable neighbors and Cameroon on the roster, Senegal’s supporters remain optimistic.
They place their faith in Cissé’s ability to navigate challenges, drawing parallels to the team’s resilience in the previous AFCON, where the squad faced early setbacks but emerged victorious.
As Senegal embarks on their AFCON 2023 journey, the dream of breaking the defending champions’ curse and securing back-to-back titles takes center stage.
The mix of experience, youth, and unwavering team spirit positions Senegal as contenders poised to leave an indelible mark on African soccer.
