Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is optimistic his players will rise to the occasion when they face Algeria in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final on Saturday.
The Teranga Lions will play the Desert Foxes in a thrilling contest at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, trying to clinch an extraordinary continental double, only one year after their country won the AFCON championship.
“I have the deep conviction that we will do everything to win this match. The kids are very motivated. The best team will win this CHAN. I tell you, right in the eyes, we will not let this trophy escape us,” the 41-year-old said.
“We know the stadium will be against us. It is normal.Danger can come from any of them. They returned from Oran with confidence after a 5-0 win against Niger,”
Algeria attacker Aymen Mahious, who leads the competition with five goals, has been a huge cause of concern for several opponents.
Regardless of the risk the attacker provides to all teams, Thiaw argues that no unique approach will be developed to counteract the threat posed by the USM Alger player.
“No! He is a great player, I wish him a great career and lots of goals… but not tomorrow, against us (laughs),”
After winning the AFCON in Cameroon last year, Senegal is the current champion of Africa. According to Balde, the squad wants to replicate players from the main senior national team.
“Our senior brothers were crowned on February 6 in Cameroon. On February 4, we have the opportunity to emulate them. That’s all we want, Inchallah! To write our names in the history of football and make this week special for our people.”