Talisman and star player of the Terranga Lions of Senegal, Sadio Mane, has predicted that this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast will be the toughest than the previous editions.
The Al Nassr playmaker was speaking to CAFOnline on the chances of his nation defending the title they won the last time in Cameroon in a post match penalty shootout against Pharoahs of Egypt in the finals.
Sharing his view, the former Liverpool star predicted a toughest competition as all the biggest nations in African football have qualified for the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.
"We know it won't be easy but we will try our best to go through every round. We are expecting a tough competition. This AFCON will be one of the strongest since I started playing it because all the big nations are here and they have their targets, but we will see what happens", Mane said.
When asked what it would mean to win the AFCON trophy in succession, the Senegalese star said it will be a special achievement as the AFCON trophy remains one of the best trophies he has won in his glittering career.
"Firstly winning the AFCON was the best trophy I have ever won in my life. Coming to Ivory Coast to do it again will be special and a big achievement. It's been a dream to play in this competition since I was a kid and we will do our best".
Senegal are paired in Group C that can be described as Group of Death. It includes 5 time winners and last edition's hosts Cameroon, quarter finalists in Cameroon 2021 Gambia and 1976 runners up Guinea.
Story by: Mohammed Awal Hudu (Kessben FM/TV)
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