Guinea coach sends warning to Senegal ahead of AFCON 2023 clash

Guinea coach Kaba Diawara revelled in Friday’s 1-0 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) victory over Gambia, calling it revenge for their 2021 defeat.

Mohamed Bayo’s goal gave Guinea a key win in Group C after losing to the same opponents at the 2021 finals.

“This victory is payback for that previous loss which was so hard to take,” Diawara told reporters at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).

“Winning is more important because it shows we’ve improved over two years and worked hard to get better.”

The former Guinea international felt the performance highlighted their progress despite some first-half struggles.

Trending World Football Articles:

• Top four players with most goals in 2023
• Top six players with most assists in 2023
• Best goals scored in football in 2023: Ranked
• Top 10 best footballers of 2023: Ranked
• Best football matches of 2023: Ranked

“What didn’t go well early on was our lack of efficiency, but after changes, things improved,” analysed Diawara.

“Creating chances is the hard part, now we just need to finish them off, and that will come in time.”

Diawara described their upcoming clash with Senegal as “the group final”, emphasising his lofty ambitions.

“Facing Senegal will be the group’s biggest game and we’re aiming to beat the champions, not just play them,” he insisted.

The coach added: “With four points already, we’re targeting top spot and trying to qualify in first place from the group.”

After gaining revenge on Gambia, Diawara’s buoyant Guinea side now believe they can dethrone Senegal in Tuesday’s west African derby in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.