With Senegal set to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time, the reigning champions' talisman Sadio Mane has made a massive claim about this year's edition of the tournament.
Check Out: LALIGA Club 'Stops' Player Temporarily From Joining AFCON Squad
The Al Nassr forward is gearing up to compete in his fifth AFCON after leading his country to their very first triumph in the competition's previous iteration.
Ever since being eliminated in the group stage at his first-ever continental showpiece in Equatorial Guinea, he and his national team have grown in stature at the tournament, culminating in them being crowned champions at the 2021 edition.
However, while the Lions of Teranga still maintain their aura of an African powerhouse, Mane has insisted that the showpiece in the Ivory Coast will be the hardest AFCON he has had to compete in.
"We know it won't be easy, but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round," the two-time CAF Men's Player of the Year winner said, as per CAF Online.
"We are expecting a 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."
The Senegal class of 2022 became history-makers when they won Senegal's first AFCON title after defeats in the 2002 and 2019 finals.
They could make even more history by retaining their title, and when quizzed on that possibility, the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich man added: "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.
"It's been a dream to play in this competition since I was a kid and we will do our best.
Check Out: 10 Most Expensive Transfers Of 2023
"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."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO:
