Cameroon vs. Senegal: “We will give them war if they want,” Gana Gueye

Five days after its immense success against the Gambia (3-0), the Senegalese national team will face Cameroon on Friday January 19 at 1700 GMT, as part of the second day of the AFCON which is being played in Ivory Coast.

At a press conference, midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye returned to the high-stakes meeting for the Senegalese, who will try to qualify for the round of 16 against Cameroon.

What do you think of those who are of the idea that players like Koulibaly, Sadio Mané and Mendy Edouard are no longer in the same form as they were two years ago when they became African champions?

This is the first time I’ve heard of this. This is the first time I’ve heard a question like this, but I think we’re doing well. We are in good shape. We came here to defend the colors of our country in the best possible way. Fitness comes and goes. But here we are today, we have worked hard and worked hard to be in good shape in this competition.

As a player, how do you plan to approach the match against Cameroon, knowing that you have always had difficulties against this team?

We will approach the match against Cameroon in the same way as we did in the last match against Gambia. In other words, concentrate, respect the coach’s instructions, and give 200 percent without calculating our opponents. We shall focus above all on what the coach asks us to do. He and his staff have studied this Cameroonian team well. I think they only have eyes for us to win this match. So if we do what the coach asks us to do, we will win the game.

You are at your 5th AFCON, and more than 10 years in selection. In your opinion, what is the additional attraction of Senegal that has become African champions and managed to stand tall with other great football nations like the team of Cameroon?

Well, I think we all know that what we have most is experience. Some players have done several AFCONs with the coach. You know the path that led us to victory in Cameroon. We are here to try to do the same thing again in the same state of mind. It means living well in a group. We understand what it’s like, because it’s not always easy to experience a few weeks as a guy. You may not be able to see what is happening outside, but we elders are here to have a good group life. That way, everyone is pulled in the same direction. Listen to the coach’s instructions, live well together, train well, prepare our matches well and above all be in good shape to go as far as possible.

The Cameroonians have announced that they will be at war with Senegal. Will you do the same?

If they go to war, we will be ready to respond. We are well prepared for that. Everyone is ready so if they want war, they will get it.

Is the rise of young midfielder Lamine Camara putting pressure on you or are you satisfied with his exceptional performance?

Pressure ? Certainly not. Lamine Camara is a young person that I like a lot, I help him a lot and I talk to him a lot. I give him some advice. There is therefore no comparison between Lamine Camara and me. We are all here for Senegal, for the national team, and as veterans, we are here to help them, and when you see performances like the one against Gambia, we can only be proud and happy for him and for Senegal national team.