Give it to Senegal they’re potential AFCON champions – ex-Nigeria coach Oliseh
Former Super Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, has rated Senegal as potential Africa Cup of Nations champions after their 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea to move into the semi-finals on Sunday.
Substitutes Cheikhou Kouyaté and Ismaïla Sarr made decisive contributions.
Crystal Palace midfielder Kouyaté had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he capitalised on some woeful defending to restore Senegal’s lead after Jannick Buyla had cancelled out Famara Diedhiou’s opener.
And Sarr then finished off a superb move 11 minutes from time as he made his first appearance for club or country since scoring in Watford’s 4-1 win over Manchester United on 20 November.
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Sadio Mané completed 90 minutes despite the worrying head injury he suffered during the last-16 tie against Cape Verde and the Liverpool forward set up the opening goal with a pinpoint pass to Diedhiou, allowing the Alanyaspor striker to fire home at the near post.
Oliseh described Senegal’s composition as the team to beat, stressing that nobody should bet against them.
“Senegal’s Teranga Lions I feel are potential AFCON champions; Star player Sadio Mané, ferocious defence, Compact and creative midfield, World’s Best Goalkeeper, deadly strike force, exceptional “bench power” & a talented local coach that makes game-winning changes, Impressive!! Don’t bet against them,” Oliseh Twitted on his Twitter handle.
The Senegalese side are billed to meet Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.