AFCON 2024: Senegalese champions put to the test for their debut

Winners of the first Africa Cup of Nations in their history in 2022 in Cameroon, Senegal put their title on the line again in Ivory Coast. In Group C, the Lions face their Gambian neighbours on Monday, January 15 in Yamoussoukro. And they know they are expected, while the recent African champions have almost all experienced major setbacks after their title.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse on January 14, 2024 in Yamoussoukro before the Lions' match against Gambia at the 2024 AFCON. © KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP

By: Nicolas Bamba Follow

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From our special correspondent in Yamoussoukro,

It was a confident Aliou Cissé, at least in appearance, who presented himself to the press on Sunday, January 14, on the eve of his squad's entry into the competition in this AFCON 2024. The coach assures him: Senegal is ready for the continental tournament. "The atmosphere is good, we're ready," he said.

On the infirmary side, the news is rather positive. Midfielders Pape Matar Sarr, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Nampalys Mendy are operational, even if the Everton player is "not 100%". Only Fodé Ballo-Touré and Youssouf Sabaly will not be present against Gambia; Everyone feels discomfort in their calves and the medical staff does not intend to take any risks.

But it is perhaps not on the physical side that we should look for a flaw in the Senegalese. Two years after their triumph, could their minds falter in the face of the pressure inherent in the reigning champions? Over the past twelve years, the holders of the trophy have often sunk when it came time to confirm.

Read alsoThe 2024 AFCON match schedule

« That's good pressure »

Let's rewind: in 2022, Algeria (crowned in 2019) was eliminated in the first round, as were Côte d'Ivoire in 2017 (crowned in 2015) and Zambia in 2013 (crowned in 2012). Worse, Nigeria (crowned in 2013) and Egypt (crowned in 2010) failed to even qualify for the 2015 and 2012 AFCONs respectively. Only Cameroon (crowned in 2017) escaped the snub; the Indomitable Lions were only knocked out by Nigeria in the round of 2019 in <>.

So, are you anxious about Senegal? "It's good pressure, pressure to win, pressure that motivates, not harmful pressure that damages the players, the coach, the environment," replied Aliou Cissé. There is no false modesty in the coach's words: "We are in our fourth AFCON and we have gained a lot of experience. We know we're expected, but there are a lot of favourites, not just Senegal. Aliou Cissé wants to be "focused on the first match against Gambia". "That's the most important thing for us, because we want to go into this competition in the best possible way," he insists.

The captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, says that he and his team "know that it will not be the same AFCON as in 2022", because "each AFCON has its history, its matches, its teams". He hasn't forgotten the match against the Scorpions, but is also thinking about what's next. "By winning a second AFCON in a row, we will make history. That's what we want, to write the history of Senegal and Africa. I think that by putting that in our heads, we will arrive with a humility that will allow us to face any adversity," said the defender. "We're going to do everything we can to put ourselves in good conditions, and that will start with this match against Gambia," added Koulibaly. See you at the final whistle for a first assessment of the Lions' form.

Interview by Cédric De Oliveira

Read alsoAll about the six groups of the 2024 AFCON

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• AFCON 2024
• Football
• Senegal
• Gambia