The Ivorian disillusionment has left its mark, but above all it has awakened an intact ambition: that of seeing Senegal reign over Africa again. Frustrated by Ivory Coast from the round of 16 in the last edition, Senegalese supporters dream of being able to once again taste a coronation in the African Cup of Nations after the first coronation in 2021.
The elimination, conceded on penalties in Yamoussoukro, created a real shock among the Lions of Teranga. Pape Thiaw’s men subsequently recorded a record unbeaten run of 26 matches before losing to Brazil in a friendly match in London in November (2-0).
“I am very optimistic,” assures Gorel, a 31-year-old Senegalese supporter. We have some confidence based on the number of unbeaten matches we have played, before losing recently against Brazil. A defeat significant enough not to get fired up and get a big head.”
But the Lions of Teranga, who have not lost a CAN match since July 19, 2019 and a final against Algeria in Cairo, intend to resume their march forward. They will face Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin in the group stage.
One of the best teams in Africa
“To stop in the first laps would be a cataclysm. Stopping somewhere other than the final as well. Our expectations of victory are legitimate. We are, for the moment, a small African football nation with our only CAN won in 2021. But we have the generation to change that and it would be a shame to miss this new opportunity,” continues Gorel.
Senegal will indeed be able to benefit from one of the most beautiful fishponds on the entire continent. If the squad has not experienced any major upheavals, with 18 players already called up for CAN 2023, the list has some new additions.
“Across all lines, we have taken internationally recognized dual nationals who play in Europe. Habib Diarra, Ibrahim Mbaye, Mamadou Sarr, for example, are all players who will participate in raising the level of this team. Some of the permanent fixtures are still there: Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, Édouard Mendy, Idrissa Gueye will be able to support this new generation of talents,” rejoices the AS Monaco supporter.
“If we go to the final…”
“Our midfielder is great on paper,” explains the big fan of Lamine Camara. Pape Gueye is a monster in the selection. In line with his start to the season with Villarreal, he is a boss. He had an incredible match against England (3-1 victory), he scored the goal of the revolt in the tense match against the DRC for World Cup qualification (3-2 victory)…”
After having experienced the last two African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and Cameroon with the coronation of his team, Gorel will not leave, this time, the Paris region to go to Morocco this winter, due to lack of time. “Afterwards, if we go to the final, we are not safe from a trip…” whispers the one who already regularly travels around France to follow his favorite club.
“The CAN is the competition that thrills me the most. For us Africans, it’s like a World Cup. We have never won a World Cup, so this competition has a special value for everyone because it is our way of making our country proud through titles. The energy that accompanies this competition is unique,” he says. This energy, the Lions of Teranga will need it to go to the end of this competition which promises to be more competitive than ever.
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