Following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Equatorial-Guinea-c2892 in their second group game
Senegal must beat hosts Equatorial Guinea in Bata if they are to keep their African Cup of Nations hopes alive. A reaction is certainly expected from the Lions of Teranga following a shocking 2-1 defeat against minnows Zambia.
Senegal do not have any choice left as even a draw would not guarantee them of a place in the knockout phases of the AFCON. The Lions of Teranga arrived at the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the African Cup of Nations.
Boosting the likes of Newcastle United striking duo of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Demba-Ba-c10812 and Papiss Cisse and LOSC Lille striker Moussa Sow, many expected Senegal to beat minnows Zambia. However, a calamitous first half performance saw Senegal concede two goals. Though, they pulled
one back after half time, Senegal were unable to level scoring.
Senegal coach Amara Traore knows his side face a daunting prospect and has urged the players to return to the basics of football in order to avoid a premature and unexpected exit.
“We know that and must try hard and show more commitment. So we must do better to hope for something. We are here to qualify. Our chances are intact. We still have two matches to play,” said Traore.
Touted as serious contenders for lifting the AFCON Cup, captain http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mamadou-Niang-c23292 knows what’s at stake and still remains positive about his side’s chances of progression.
“This defeat can be a blessing in disguise,” said the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127 player who was replaced at half-time during the defeat to Zambia.
In a group that contains the likes of Zambia, Equatorial Guinea and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Senegal-c3001 know that they still have a great chance of making it through to the knockout phases of the contest. However, the performance of the whole team against Zambia was shambolic
to say the least and the Teranga Lions must put their act together if they are to really stamp their authority in the tournament.
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