Senegalese legend El Hadji Diouf has tipped his country to win the 2021 AFCON which begins in Cameroon this weekend.
Diouf believes it has been long overdue for the Terenga Lions to rule the continent and this is the time for them to do so considering the talents at their disposal.
“My first favorite is Senegal, who lost last edition final to Algeria, and today we must win,” the former Liverpool star was quoted on cafonline.com.
“Anything we do without winning the trophy will be failure. There are other great teams, and it will be a very tough competition, perhaps the toughest in recent years and in a country that loves football. It would be a big football party.“
“It’s hard. When you look at the generations, the talents that have come and gone in the national team, it’s unbelievable that we haven’t yet managed to win this trophy. But I am convinced when Senegal wins their first trophy, then it would be very difficult to dislodge them from the top. Now it is clear that to overcome this jinx, we need solidarity. We need everyone, no one should be put aside. Often there is a lack of national unity around the team.”
He further mentioned that Senegalese are ignoring the team and it is about time they stand up to support them.
“Moreover, I am surprised that currently in Senegal there is lack of enthusiasm. We do not have the feeling that the national team will take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, it is not the case with Cameroon and other countries. We certainly need to change our mindset as spectators and become real supporters.” He added.
Senegal who have never won the tournament are paired in the same Group with Guinea, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
