The Teranga Lions, boasting a perfect 5/5 record in the group stage with three victories in as many matches, are set to face Ivory Coast today.
Ivory Coast, despite a challenging journey, secured a last-minute qualification for the knockout stage in a CAN hosted on home soil.
Ahead of this significant clash, Senegal’s coach, Aliou Cissé, acknowledged the formidable challenge awaiting them. In a pre-match press conference on January 28, 2024, in Yamoussoukro, he commented on the statistical confidence in Senegal against a seemingly uncertain Ivory Coast.
Cissé emphasized that the group stage is over, entering a new competition where Ivory Coast, having lost their last two matches against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, aims for redemption in front of their home crowd. Senegal is well aware of the challenge but is armed with their own strengths and a determination to defend their title.
According to Coach Aliou Cissé, Ivory Coast holds a prominent position in African football, emphasizing the historical presence of great players. Despite Ivory Coast’s recent losses, Cissé refuses to underestimate them, anticipating a tough match as they seek to prove that previous setbacks were mere accidents.
Reflecting on the history of Ivory Coast’s first Africa Cup of Nations victory on Senegalese soil, Cissé playfully mentioned that it’s time for Ivory Coast to repay what they borrowed in 1992.
Aliou Cissé concluded by acknowledging the unpredictability of the upcoming match, acknowledging that it could be decided within the regulation 90 minutes, extend to extra time, or even proceed to a penalty shootout. The team is prepared for all eventualities.
