Senegal coach Aliou Cisse said he is familiar with the danger Cameroon will pose in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match on Friday.
Cisse missed a crucial penalty when the two Lions (Teranga Lions and Indomitable Lions) met in the 2002 AFCON final which Cameroon won by 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out.
Senegal and Cameroon will be meeting for the 14th time on the international scene on Friday and their last AFCON encounter ended in a goalless draw but the Indomitable Lions won via penalty shoot-out in Gabon.
Cisse told the media during Thursday’s press conference: “We already have enough work to improve our team and work on our mental and physical preparation rather than talking about the opponent. Cameroon no longer needs to be presented.
“We know Cameroonian pride. We know that Cameroon never gives up or abdicates. We’re ready. We are aware and confident.
Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson came off the bench to replace Habib Diallo in the Teranga Lions’ 3-0 win against the Gambia but Cisse is confident of the qualities in his attacking options.
Two midfielders, Pape Gueye and 20-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara scored Senegal’s goals in their opening fixture on Monday.
He added: “Everybody is ready. We have put together a group of 27 players and among these players, Habib Diallo can start, just like Bamba Dieng or Nicolas Jackson. Boys like Abdallah Sima can also start.
“This is the quality and the luck that I have. I know Nicolas’ qualities and I know he can come back at any time. What is important is that the state of mind is there, no matter who starts.”
