Aliou Cissé: “Algeria is the bane of Senegal but…”

Senegal coach Aliou Cissé spoke about the clash against Algeria on September 12 in a friendly. And the technician can’t wait to beat this Fennecs team, who defeated the Lions of Téranga in the 2019 CAN final.

Senegal is preparing to relive the CAN 2019 final as it will face Algeria again on September 12. But unlike four years ago when the stakes were the African Cup trophy, this time the two teams will engage in a gala duel. A friendly meeting counting towards the gathering in September 2023. The opportunity for the two teams to prepare for the next African Cup of Nations for which the two selections are already qualified

A few days before this clash of the titans, Aliou Cissé held a press conference to discuss the crucial importance of this highly anticipated summit. “On the Senegalese or Algerian side, a lot of people questioned me about this match. 2019 is four years ago, it goes by quickly. Yes, indeed, Algeria is the bane of Senegal. In the last five matches played by Senegal against Algeria, it is five victories for them, two draws and one victory for Senegal. But there is no revenge or vengeance. In 2019, Algeria won the African Cup because they were better. We won the CAN because we were quite simply the best“, confided Cissé, reported by Onzed’Afrik.

Asked about the reason for this friendly match, the former PSG and Montpellier midfielder replied: “ This match is scheduled in response to a strategy developed by the technical management and the Federation. Our goal is to prepare because we are aware that we may not have as much preparation time in January. It will be a big match against Algeria. We know that all of Africa is impatiently awaiting this meeting. It is a choice that is part of the logic of the game and the continuous improvement of our team.“