AFCON 2021: Senegal and Egypt are optimistic ahead of AFCON final match
Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse and Egypt team manager, Wael Gomaa are optimistic ahead of the AFCON 2021 final match between both teams, 20.00 WAT today at the Olembe Stadium.
Senegal defeated Burkina Faso 3-1 to reach the AFCON final for two consecutive times, while the Pharaohs defeated the Indomitable Lions 3-1 on penalties to reach the final of the 2021 AFCON.
Aliou Cisse, while speaking ahead of their final game at the tournament against the Pharaohs believes focus and determination will help the Teranga Lions win the AFCON title for the first time after losing the final of AFCON 2002 to Cameroon and Algeria in AFCON 2021.
“We prepared well for our final with the players who are determined and confident to put in a good show. We will approach this final with determination against a great Egyptian team.- Aliou Cisse told the media in a press conference as quoted by cafonline
“We know our opponent well; they have their own philosophy of play with experienced players on the continental level. We are on the way to our objective of winning the title this Sunday evening.
“We must focus on the final, play it well and thus succeed in our match. We will have to take advantage of the moment. We lost two finals in the past, but this time we will approach the match with more determination.”
The Teranga Lions Captain, Kalidou Koulibaly who was instrumental in their run to the final believes they can finally write history tomorrow.
“After missing the final in 2019, I will be there tomorrow (today) to write the history of Senegalese football. The most important thing for me is to offer Senegal and the Senegalese people the trophy.
“We must realize our dream, that of to win the final crowning. We are keen to play well, to perform well to win this final. It will certainly be the most important match of my career and I will play it with all the determination and ardor necessary to win the tournament.”
The last time Egypt won the continental showpiece was in AFCON 2010, but team Manager, Wael Gomaa believes the team can finally end the drought and win the trophy for all Egyptians even though there is fatigue in the team.
“It’s true that we are tired after several matches played in extra time and the various trips since the start of the tournament, but the players will outdo themselves in the final to win the title.
“The main thing for us is to win the trophy and offer it to all the Egyptian people who have been supporting us for several months. I would like to thank the medical staff who are doing a titanic job in order to prepare all the players after each match.”
Egypt captain, Mo Salah echoes the team manager statement that the team are mentally and physically ready to go all out and win the AFCON title for the eight time after losing it to Cameroon in 2017.
“After a lost final in 2017 against Cameroon, we will play our all-out tomorrow (today) against Senegal to grab an eighth star. We are determined to seek the crown.
“The players are physically and mentally ready. We are here to play the title and that means a lot to us. We want to offer a title to all Egyptian citizens.”
Senegal defeated Burkina Faso 3-1 to reach the AFCON final for two consecutive times, while the Pharaohs defeated the Indomitable Lions 3-1 on penalties to reach the final of the 2021 AFCON.
