Izuchukwu Okosi
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The 2001 Africa Footballer of the Year winner El Hadji Diouf has tipped Senegal to emerge as champions of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, overlooking Nigeria.
Diouf was part of the Senegalese side that finished as runners up in the 2002 final behind Cameroon.
The 33rd edition of the African football showpiece commences on Sunday evening with 24 teams out for the top prize and Diouf in an interview with the CAF website, www.cafonline.com, picks his country as overwhelming favourites to lift the title on February 6.
“My first favourite is Senegal, who lost last edition final to Algeria, and today we must win,” Diouf told Caf website.
“Anything we do without winning the trophy will be a 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.”
When asked where the Bruno Metsu-led Lions of Teranga got it wrong against the Indomitable Lions at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, the 40-year-old said: “I can say experience.
“There was talent and determination but the only experience was lacking in our Mali adventure.
“Rather, we played on our quality without calculating. It would have taken a little bit of experience to win those kinds of games.”
The retired forward also talked about the differences between the 2002 class of Senegal and the current one.
“The difference between the two generations is that this one has been fortunate enough to have played together for several years, and to have taken part in many Africa Cup of Nations finals,” Diouf added.
“They’ve played at some big clubs and they’re leaders there. Also, they’ve learned how to win.
“In our time that was not the case, not all of us played for big clubs. I can say that this generation has everything to win the Afcon title now. These players need the support of all Senegalese.”
Senegal are zoned in Group B alongside Malawi, Guinea and Zimbabwe.
Cisse’s men will commence their campaign against the Warriors on January 10 at the Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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