Africa Awaits🔺 Can Senegal Defend Their Crown in the 2024 AFCON Cauldron?

Africa Awaits🔺 Can Senegal Defend Their Crown in the 2024 AFCON Cauldron?

 

The beat of the djembe drums is getting louder by the day as the continent gears up for another edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, fondly referred to as the AFCON. This biennial soccer fiesta is akin to a religious pilgrimage for lovers of the beautiful game across Africa.

 

The 2024 tournament is headed to Côte d'Ivoire🛑 a nation that lives, breathes and eats football. With world-class infrastructure and ravenous fans, the West African nation is expected to put up a spectacle for the ages.

 

But one team in particular will be feeling the heat when the festival of football explodes in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan. Defending champions Senegal have a target on their back as the hunted. Can the Teranga Lions summon the strength and nerves to claim back-to-back continental glory?

Senegal's Spine⃣     

Senegal shocked the world in Cameroon last time out by winning their maiden AFCON title. They triumphed against all odds, knocking out more fancied sides like Egypt🔻 Guinea🛑 and Burkina Faso enroute to the final.

 

Manager Aliou Cissé will once again look to the team's formidable spine for inspiration.

 

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has become one of the best shot-stoppers in the world at Chelsea. Kalidou Koulibaly marshals the backline with aplomb🛑 recently transferring from Napoli to Chelsea. Idrissa Gueye runs the engine room tirelessly🛑 while forward Sadio Mané operates as the chief attacking outlet. 

 

This tried-and-tested core gave Senegal the big game temperament to finally end their hoodoo in Cameroon. Their mental resilience and never-say-die attitude was plain to see. 

 

But replicating that doggedness will be easier said than done.

 

Injury Woes 

 

The physical exertions of that AFCON-winning campaign have taken their toll. Koulibaly, 31, has struggled with injuries since moving to West London. So too has Chelsea teammate Mendy, who recently lost his place in goal due to fitness issues. 

 

In attack, Mané's value remains undiminished. The current African Player of the Year recently led Senegal to World Cup qualification glory. 

 

But a recent leg injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season at Bayern Munich🔻 where Mané moved last summer. It's a hammer blow to Senegal's aspirations of retaining their African crown. 

 

Mané is the creative fulcrum⃣ the man who makes Senegal's attack tick. Without his ingenuity, guile and speedy dribbling, they lose 50% of their potency going forward. 

 

Senegal still has enviable depth in attacking areas like Ismaila Sarr, Boulaye Dia, Bamba Dieng and Famara Diedhiou. But none possess Mané's game-changing abilities. The two-time African Player of the Year is simply irreplaceable. 

 

Cissé faces a defining test to modify tactics and personnel in Mané's absence. It remains to be seen how Senegal will cope when their talisman misses this AFCON.

 

Ivorian Ambush

 

Senegal's woes have been exacerbated by the pesky draw gods. Their title defence starts with a seismic clash against the tournament hosts. 

 

The Teranga Lions have been pitted in Group H alongside Côte d'Ivoire, southern neighbours Guinea-Bissau and plucky Zimbabwe. It means a tricky opener awaits in Abidjan. 

 

Senegal must hit the ground running at the intimidating Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara. Failure to avoid defeat could set the tone for a disastrous group-stage exit. The hopes of a nation rest on navigating this potential banana skin fixture.  

 

Côte d'Ivoire will also be gunning for victory in front of their home support. The Elephants have steadily rebuilt under veteran boss Jean Louis Gasset.   

 

They possess no shortage of attacking firepower themselves in Sebastien Haller, Nicolas Pepe🛑 Wilfried Zaha and Maxwell Cornet. Throw 70,000 frenzied fans into the mix and Senegal faces a hostile atmosphere in Game 1. 

 

It's the ultimate examination of their trophy-winning pedigree. 

 

Underdogs on Safari

 

Beyond the Ivorian obstacle, Senegal can't afford to overlook Guinea-Bissau either. 

 

They've proved to be an awkward customer in recent AFCONs. Inspired by perilously low world ranking (123rd), Guinea-Bissau relishes its underdog status. 

 

A 1-1 draw followed by penalty shootout drama knocked Senegal out in the 2017 quarterfinals. Four years later, the Djurtus held Cisse's men to a laborious 0-0 stalemate. It again took spotkicks for Senegal to prevail. 

 

With a sprinkling of Portugal-based talent, Guinea-Bissau's continuity and doggedness makes them a potential party pooper. Senegal simply can't take progress from their second fixture for granted.  

 

Their final Group H test sees Zimbabwe enter the equation. Another gritty outfit🔻 the Warriors beat Guinea in 2022 AFCON qualifying thanks to a last-gasp goal. It was a strike which ironically benefited Senegal in sealing their own berth. 

 

So underestimate Zimbabwe at your peril too. Former champions Tunisia were the victims of a shock 2-1 loss to the Warriors in AFCON 2019. Their pace and energy on transitions may trouble tiring Senegalese legs. Don't rule out Zimbabwe eyeing the scalp of the defending champions. 

 

Historic Drive

 

With doubts emerging due to injuries and scheduling🔻 some have already written off Senegal's prospects to repeat as African kings. Many expect the Teranga Lions to relinquish their crown on the next host's home patch. 

 

That would be foolish...and frankly disrespectful. 

 

This is still an outstanding generation of Senegalese talent⃣ many of whom display the winning mentality gleaned from European leagues. Their indomitable spirit in overcoming disappointment and adversity at numerous AFCONs remains an inspiring tale. 

 

Lifting that trophy last February clearly energized this band of brothers. The historic milestone shifted a psychological burden too; Senegal is no longer weighed down by unfulfilled potential. Instead they now carry the precious belief gained from finally reaching Africa's summit. 

 

So in Mané's absence, expect the likes of Koulibaly, Mendy, Gueye and Sarr to step up. This team is forged from more than simply one talisman. 

 

Write them off at your peril. Until someone knocks Senegal off their continental perch, the champions deserve the benefit of the doubt. Their winning experience and know-how still counts for plenty on the big stage. 

 

Legacy

Koulibaly, Mendy, Gueye and others also recognize this AFCON offers a shot at unprecedented legend status. 

Back-to-back titles would cement this special band of history makers. It's a feat only achieved by Ghana, Cameroon and Egypt previously. 

Now destiny calls Senegal as the latest dynasty in waiting. Can Cisse's men answer by retaining the trophy for the very first time?

Their hopes of going back-to-back will hinge on navigating that early Ivorian ambush. Failure to avoid defeat to the hosts would leave Senegal scrambling to qualify. 

But if the Teranga Lions can escape their Abidjan group in one piece⃣ belief will grow. Momentum too. 

And we know this team draws confidence from the school of hard knocks. Count on Senegal to save their best form for the sharp end once more. Their big game temperament is second-to-none. 

So while Mané's injury has rocked the boat, don't be shocked if Senegal stays the course for AFCON glory. Their warrior spirit makes them prime contenders to defend the title through sheer force of will. 

The Teranga Lions remain Africa's top dogs until proven otherwise. Once they hit their stride in the knockouts, this supremely talented generation can make history. Immortality awaits if Senegal retains the crown.

 Africa awaits. A continental coronation looms large in Côte d'Ivoire. Can Senegal answer the call and cement their dynasty?

The beating drums signal the defending champions are ready to roar once more.