Aliou Cissé confident in Senegal's chances despite tough draw
Senegal's former coach, Aliou Cissé, has sounded a warning to the opponents of the Lions of Teranga in Group D of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
Drawn alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Benin, and Botswana, Senegal is determined to prove their dominance and erase the disappointment of their early exit in 2023.
'A difficult group, since two of these teams, we know them. For a long time, we have been playing against them,' said Cissé, who led Senegal to their first AFCON title in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2021.
'The advantage is that we know them, and the disadvantage is that they know us too. But I have no doubt that Senegal can get through.'
The group-stage showdown between Senegal and the DR Congo is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament.
The two sides have a rich footballing history and are both eager to establish psychological supremacy before their crucial World Cup qualifier just months later.
'This match will be explosive,' Cissé who was one of the draw assistants remarked.
'The Lions of Teranga have experience and depth, but the Leopards bring youthful energy and technique. This duel promises to be closely contested and could well be decided by very little.'
Senegal's formidable defence, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, will face off against the DRC's attacking talents, including the dynamic Yoane Wissa.
The group also features Benin, a team with World Cup ambitions, and Botswana, making only their second AFCON appearance after debuting in 2012.
After their unexpected round-of-16 exit to Côte d'Ivoire in 2023, Senegal enters this tournament with renewed focus under new coach Pape Thiaw.
The Lions dominated the group stage in the last edition but faltered when it mattered most, a pattern they are determined to break in Morocco.
'The last tournament was a learning experience,' said Cissé. 'Now it's about building on that and using our experience to regain the trophy.'
The draw in Rabat revealed challenges for many of Africa's footballing heavyweights.
Reigning champions Côte d'Ivoire face a daunting Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, while hosts Morocco will navigate Group A against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
Group B rekindles the historic rivalry between Egypt and South Africa, alongside Angola and Zimbabwe, while Algeria headlines Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities.
The 24-team tournament features six groups, with the top two teams and four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage.
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