Senegal and Al Nassar star Sadio Mane believes that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to kick off on January 13 in Ivory Coast, will be the toughest compared to previous editions.
The Teranga Lions, who are the defending champions, are in Group C with five-time champions Cameroon, Guinea, and The Gambia.
Mane told CAFonline that the team was expecting tough competition because all of the big African nations had qualified for the tournament and would all be aiming to do well.
“We know it won’t be easy but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round. We are expecting tough competition. This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here and they all have their targets, but we will see what will happen,” said the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward.
Mane wants to win AFCON again
The 31-year-old 2022 African Football of the Year said it would be special to defend the AFCON after winning the last edition.
“Firstly, winning the AFCON was the best trophy I have ever won in my life and coming to do it again will be special and a big achievement,” Mane said.
“It’s been a dream to play in this competition since I was a kid and we will do our best. Winning the AFCON will be a big impact for our football because we have won all the other categories, which is great for the country.”
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Senegal will begin their title defense on Monday, January 15, against The Gambia, before facing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later.
They will conclude their Group C campaign against Guinea on Wednesday, January 23.
