Never write off Cameroon” – Cissé and his truth about the Indomitable Lions

At the press conference this Thursday prior to the Senegal-Cameroon showdown, Aliou Cissé was questioned on several subjects and gave his impression on the Teranga Lions’ opponents, Cameroon.

Question: How are you prepping the game against Cameroon

“It was important to enter a competition like the AFCON with a victory. It gives meaning to our team and encourages our players for our second match. We’re ready. We know that it is a different type of match, against a team which has other characteristics than Gambia. But we prepared well.

What kind of match can we expect?

Cameroon is not a team we can newly present. They’re a great side who have won several African Cups and participated in several World Cups. They have big names. It’s true, we beat them last October in a friendly match. So, I know that the context will not be the same. We will be facing a very motivated team who want to restore their image compared to their first outing. But we are well prepared. It’s a very important match for us and one that will be contested. We can’t win if we don’t play.

An update on injuries

We actually have Youssouf Sabaly who has resumed training, very good news. Idrissa Gueye and Nampalys Mendy are there. Just like Pape Matar Sarr. The infirmary is emptying. We will take have Moussa Niakhaté (ankle injury against Gambia) Abdallah Sima. But they’re all slight discomforts.

With the returns to midfield, can we expect a new configuration in the starting XI?

We have formed a competitive group, where everyone can play. It’s a good problem for a coach to have so many qualities at his disposal. I ask for solidarity in this team, no matter who starts.

Do you think the attack is still lacking in effectiveness…

Are you talking about a lack of efficiency? But we scored three goals… How can you talk to me about a lack of potency in a match we scored three goals (laughs)? If tomorrow we score three more goals, I will take it (laughs). Now, and it’s true, we are creating chances and we would like to score them. Our team does not lack efficiency. We score goals. But we want to score more based on the chances we create so that our attackers have more confidence.

Has the time of domination by Cameroon over Senegal been reversed?

You must not get inflamed. In October, it was a friendly match, certainly full of lessons. Senegalese football is booming in all categories. But Cameroon remains Cameroon, a competitive beast. Cameroonians should never be buried because they are always capable of getting back up. We have seen that they are capable of taking on challenges. But Senegal has grown. We gained a lot of experience. I hope we continue to win.

History reads that Cameroon beat Senegal on January 19, 1992 at the AFCON. Does it count…?

We, in Senegal, are a people who do not speak much. A very humble people. We have a lot of respect for Cameroon. But the generations follow each other and are not alike. In 1992, he (Idrissa Gana Gueye at my side at a press conference) was barely born (laughs). It was another generation. We will see tomorrow. The Senegal – Cameroon have never been a cakewalk.

What facets did you focus on to prepare for this match?

A little bit of everything. A competition and a match are prepared on several aspects. There is the tactic and the athletic side. There is also the mental side, and this second match is very important because it is a qualifying match. But we are used to approaching this type of meeting. We have the determination to continue our journey.

Does the victory against Gambia give you more motivation to continue your path?

You should not do lessons very quickly. I used to say that there are no more small teams on the African continent, and this start of AFCON is proving it, with the so-called big teams. Nations are progressing and everything is developing. Everyone works the same way. This is why we can no longer hide.

For you, where is the main danger of the Cameroon team?

We already have enough work to improve our team and work on our mental and physical preparation rather than talking about the opponent. Cameroon no longer needs to be presented. We know Cameroonian pride. We know that Cameroon never gives up or abdicates. We’re ready. We are aware and confident.

Could Nicolas Jackson start the match?

Everybody is ready. We have put together a group of 27 players and among these players, Habib Diallo can start, just like Bamba Dieng or Nicolas Jackson. Boys like Abdallah Sima can also start. This is the quality and the luck that I have. I know Nicolas’ qualities and I know he can come back at any time. What is important is that the state of mind is there, no matter who starts.