Says Senegal captain as champions arrive
Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua
Reigning champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal arrived in Cote d’Ivoire to defend their title, insisting that the 2023 edition of the tournament will be the best in history.
The Lions of Teranga touched down in Yamoussoukro, their base for their Group C matches, admitting that they will face a more formidable challenge to retain their title because of the presence of the top teams.
Senegal is drawn into one of the most challenging groups of the competition, consisting of five-time winners, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Guinea, who will all seriously threaten the champions.
The Teranga Lions are undoubtedly one of the strong title contenders as the reigning champions who have made it to two consecutive TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals (2019, 2021).
Speaking to CAFOnline.com from the team’s base camp, Kalidou Koulibaly said this would be one of the best TotalEnergies CAF AFCON tournaments as all strong African nations had qualified to be in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I think that the Côte d’Ivoire edition will be the best in the competition’s history because all the big teams are present and fully prepared. It will show the true image of African football, and I think whoever wins the title will deserve it.”
The Senegal skipper urged his nation to keep the team in their prayers as they prepare to defend the title against the best African teams on the continent over the next few weeks.
“I ask the Senegalese fans to be behind us during the competition and to pray for us in their prayers. Their support will take us far in the competition, and we will represent them well and give them a big gift in the end.”
Senegal kick off their title defense on 15 January against Gambia before facing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a battle of the lions three days later on the 18th before concluding their group campaign against Guinea on 23 January.
