“We want to be first”

Pape Gueye before Burkina-Senegal

On the meeting

It’s not going to be an easy match because we know the Burkina team. We played against them quite a few times, especially during the CAN. We are all focused, we can’t wait to play tomorrow and win this match. We hope to win all three points. Burkina is a team that does not give up. They fight, are strong in duels and there are quite a few players who are known. In the last match, in particular, we conceded a goal in the last minute. So it’s a team that has a strong mentality, it’s going to be a good match.

We are lucky to have many executives in the selection who have a lot of experience. It’s a bit of a special match because we’re going to play against Burkina Faso in Mali, but everyone is focused on the same goal. We are all competitors who play in big clubs. Of course we want to be first, but we’re going to be careful in Burkina Faso. We have the same objective as a player, which is to give our all. We’re going to do it to win.

On its importance in selection

I really enjoy playing in this team. It is a source of pride to be called up for the nation. I arrived on tiptoe but I feel better and better today, I have a lot more playing time compared to the first year. But it’s up to me to continue working, to listen to the instructions of partners and coaches to improve.

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