Senegal’s head coach, Souleymane Diallo, is unfazed by the pressures of defending their 2022 CHAN title, as he shifts his focus to the crucial opening match in Group D against Nigeria. This high-stakes clash will take place at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, and promises to be one of the tournament’s most significant encounters.
Despite entering the competition after experiencing consecutive defeats in their pre-CHAN fixtures, Diallo remains optimistic about his squad’s capabilities. He emphasized that rather than feeling pressure, the responsibility of being defending champions serves as a motivating factor. “The players are cautious of their mission… our performance last time out only serves as a source of motivation for us,” Diallo said, acknowledging the importance of their past success while keeping their goals in mind.
Senegal, alongside DRC, Morocco, and Tunisia, is part of an elite group of nations that have triumphed in both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and CHAN. Diallo pointed out that his team’s primary objective is to qualify from the group stage, highlighting the competitive nature of African football where no team can be underestimated. He remarked, “These days, African football doesn’t provide for teams to be classed as favourites… All teams have players that have earned the right to be in this competition.”
The match against Nigeria marks a significant moment, especially since Nigeria is returning to CHAN for the first time since 2018. With Senegal’s solid defensive record of keeping 10 clean sheets in their past 14 CHAN matches, they will aim to contain Nigeria, who has scored in 11 of their last 15 CHAN appearances. The upcoming duel at Amaan Stadium is indeed a thrilling encounter set to kick off at 6pm Nigerian time.
In preparation for this pivotal match, both teams are determined to showcase their talents and secure a strong position in Group D, which also includes Congo and Sudan. The excitement surrounding this match reflects the vibrant spirit of African football, with both squads ready to make a significant impact in the tournament.