Senegal’s Sadio Mane believes that this year’s Africa Cup of Nations will be highly challenging, as the competition level is expected to be intense.
The tournament, which will be hosted by Ivory Coast, will take place from January 13 to February 11. Mane and the Senegal team are aiming to make history by becoming only the third nation to successfully defend the title, following in the footsteps of Egypt and Cameroon.
Mane expressed his awareness of the tough competition: “We know it won’t be easy but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round. We are expecting a tough competition. This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here and they all have their targets, but we will see what will happen.”
He also highlighted the significance of winning the tournament again, stating, “Firstly, winning the Afcon was the best trophy I have ever won in my life and coming to do it again will be special and a big achievement. It’s been a dream to play in this competition since I was a kid and we will do our best.” Additionally, Mane emphasized the positive impact winning the Afcon would have on Senegalese football.
As the second highest ranked African team in the competition, Senegal enters as one of the favorites to win. With a blend of youthful talent and experience, they will commence their title defense against Gambia on January 15.