Senegalese skipper Star forward Sadio Mane has expressed his country’s readiness to defend their AFCON crown as they kick off their title defense in the tournament that kicks off on January 13.
Senegal finds themselves in a challenging group alongside teams such as Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia in Group C.
Mane is leading the team to their 17th appearance at the AFCON, in which they go in as the defending champions for the first time in their history and he believes another triumph will be ” both special and a tremendous accomplishment.
“Winning the AFCON was the most significant trophy of my life, and attempting to achieve it once more would be both special and a tremendous accomplishment,” Mane stated, as quoted on CAF online.
“Participating in this competition has been a lifelong dream, and we will give our utmost effort,” he added.
Senegal’s campaign will commence on 15 January against Gambia, followed by the ultimate clash of the Lions as they face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later and will conclude their Group C campaign against Guinea on 23 January.
“We anticipate a fierce competition. This tournament will be one of the toughest since I began playing, as all the major nations are present with their respective objectives. However, we shall see what unfolds,” the skipper expressed.
“Winning the AFCON would make a significant impact on our football, as we have triumphed in all other categories, which is a remarkable achievement for our country,” Mane concluded.
The 31-year-old, Mane was named Player of the AFCON 2021, while his teammate Edouard Mendy won the Best Keeper Award.
The Lions of Teranga enter the tournament as defending champions after beating Egypt in the final last time around. With superstars like Mane and Mendy leading the way, Senegal has excellent leadership to depend on as they aim to retain the trophy.
