Niang Calls On Senegal To Seize AFCON Glory Against Morocco
Senegalese legend Mame Niang is urging his national team to rise to the occasion and claim the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title against host nation Morocco on Sunday.
The highly anticipated AFCON final between the Lions of Teranga and the Atlas Lions is scheduled to take place in Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and will start at 21:00.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides in the AFCON but their 32nd overall. The Lions of Teranga have six wins against the Atlas Lions’ 18 times. They’ve played seven draws.
On their road to the final, Senegal won five games and drew one. The Lions of Teranga beat Botswana and Benin, while they drew against DR Congo in the group stage.
In the knockout stage, the 2021 African champions won against Sudan, Mali, and Egypt.
Morocco, on the other hand, won against Comoros and Zambia and played a draw against Mali in the group stage. In the knockout stage, the 1976 African champions won against Zambia, Cameroon, and on penalties against Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of this highly anticipated match, Niang, a retired Senegalese former player, revealed his expectations for this final match and how he thinks Senegal can overcome Morocco.
“I think the guys are aware of the challenges ahead, but we didn’t come this far to settle for less,” Niang said to Sportswire.
“They’ve had their share of debates and discussions, and now it’s time to put our strategy into action.
“If we stick to our game plan, limit mistakes, and capitalize on opportunities, I believe we can emerge victorious.
“As many people always say, ‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’ They’ll rise to the occasion and give it their all.”
This game will be the ninth final of the AFCON between the North and Western African national teams.
In the previous eight encounters, North African teams won four times while West African teams won four times as well.
Going into this game, Senegal will be without two of their key players, who will be really missed in the game. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra got yellow cards in the semifinal match against Egypt, ruling them out for the highly anticipated final. Niang also highlighted how he thinks the suspension of the two key players will impact Senegal’s chances in the final.
“Losing Koulibaly and Diarra will be a huge blow, but our coach has always emphasized the strength of our squad depth,” he added.
“We have 28 starters, and each player knows their role.
“They’ve prepared for every scenario, and I’m confident that our team will rise to the occasion. Sadio Mané’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding us to victory.”
The Lions of Teranga will be playing their fourth final in the AFCON, as they previously played the finals in 2002, 2019, and 2021, winning it once in 2021, where they beat Egypt on penalties in the final.
Morocco, on the other hand, will be playing their third AFCON final as they previously played in 1976 and 2004, winning it in 1976, with the tournament played over two groups.
In 2004, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was part of the squad that reached the final and played almost all games alongside captain Noureddine Naybet as centre backs.
