Mane, Koulibaly, Mendy and co. can win the AFCON title finally- Diouf
After coming close to winning it in 2002 and 2019, Senegal can win the title finally - Diouf
In an exclusive interview with cafonline.com, the former Liverpool striker is optimistic Senegal can win the 2021 CAF Africa cup of Nations.
El Hadji Diouf was part of the 2002 Senegalese team that lost to Cameroon in the final of the 2002 edition of Afcon. That was the first time Senegal will get to the final since their debut in 1965.
They lost to Cameroon 3-2 in penalties after playing 0-0 in regular time. The current coach of the Teranga Lions, Alou Cisse, was also part of that team.
Diouf, in an interview, with cafonline.com said that the 2002 Senegal golden generation is different from this generation. The Golden generation was the team that sent a shocking wave to the world after beating defending champion, France, to get to the quarterfinals of the Korea/Japan world cup in their first appearance at the world cup.
That was the second time an African team reached the world cup quarterfinals. Despite this remarkable feat, the former Bolton Wanderers player feels this generation is better than theirs.
He said this generation of players is lucky to have played together for several years even took part in multiple Africa Cup of nations finals- something they never had.
In addition, they are playing in big clubs, and some are even leaders there. They have experience, determination, and talents.
Though they had willpower and talented players also, they lacked experience. And it cost them the AFCON title in 2002. But this generation has what it takes to win the AFCON title for Senegal for the first time.
“The difference between the two generations is that this one has been fortunate enough to have played together for several years and to have taken part in many Africa Cup of Nations finals. They’ve played at some big clubs and they’re leaders there. Also, they’ve learned how to win. In our time that was not the case, not all of us played for big clubs. I can say that this generation has everything to win the AFCON title now.” Diouf told Cafonline.com
The Teranga Lions will open their Afcon campaign against Zimbabwe on January 10. Four days later take on Guinea before ending their group stage game against Malawi on January 18.
