Facing Liberia, the Lions must take a big step towards qualification

The local Senegal National Team is making its big comeback! A little less than two years after their first coronation at the African Nations Championship, the local Lions finally return to official competition this Sunday (4:00 p.m. GMT). At the Samuel-Kanyon-Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, the Senegalese will challenge Liberia, a team which managed to cause problems for the local selection in July 2022 (defeat, 1-2 in Dakar), during the CHAN 2023 qualifiers.

But obviously, coach Souleymane Diallo and his players have perfectly prepared for this confrontation. “ We have a little idea of ​​the opponent. Apart from the trip I made to Liberia to follow their match, we are currently working on the videos. We analyzed their defensive animation and, on Friday, we will focus on their offensive animation », Recently underlined the technician who will direct his very first official match at the head of this team.

Take a big step towards qualification

We remind you: the Lions are the reigning champions of this competition. This means that they have no room for error and their presence for the next edition, which will be co-organized by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (from February 1 to 28, 2025), is indeed a matter of 'a obligation. The fact that Thomas Kojo's Liberians will be able to rely on players from the A selection, such as goalkeeper Abdulai Koulibaly, Sébastien Teclar and William Gibson, should not scare the Senegalese.

Because for his part, Souleymane Diallo will be able to count on very talented young players, like Serigne Fallou Diouf, Serigne Moctar Koita, or even Almamy Mathew Fall. A squad designed to take a big step towards qualification? Without a doubt. Indeed, it is the ground that will speak, but in order not to complicate matters and welcome the Lone Stars more peacefully at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in a week, the Lions must absolutely win in Monrovia.

wiwsport.com