Cote D’Ivoire Vs. Senegal: “We respect our opponents,” Moussa Niakhate
Moussa Niakhate was present at the AFCON round 16 pre match press conference on Sunday to discuss the game against Cote D’Ivoire, billed for Monday (8:00 p.m. GMT). The Forest defender mentioned that Senegal has utmost respect for Cote D’Ivoire.
Question
After having achieved great success in the group stage, how do you plan to approach this match against a vengeful team?
Answer
We’re just going to focus on ourselves. We have worked well this week and we will try to continue in line with what we have been doing for a while. We’re going to stay focused on our game plan. We’re going to worry about that a lot more than the opponent. Afterwards, we respect the Cote D’Ivoire team enormously.
We know their collective and their strengths. This team (Senegal) is programmed to win this African Cup but the best thing to prepare will be to concentrate on ourselves. And the goal will necessarily be to win this match.
Question
Are there any players that you particularly fear in the Cote D’Ivoire team?
It’s a very good team with very good individuals that I can’t name them all. There are 27 players and there is really quality in this group. It is one of the best squads in the African, with players who play in the best Championships. Out of respect, I cannot allow myself to mention names because I would forget others. But we are Senegal and we are ready to play this kind of match. As a player, you want to play this kind of match. It’s a truly magnificent African Cup and one that’s going very well. I think everyone enjoys the show. We know that the Ivorian players will be keen to show something else against the reigning champions. They have great offensive potential, a consistent midfield and defenders who are in demand by the big teams.
Are you prepared for possible public provocation?
We don’t think about that. We just think about the match. It’s still football and it’s played on the field with a ball. We are in Cote D’Ivoire, so, obviously, the public will be for their team.
But we will try to keep the ball rolling and we will try to score one more goal than the opponent which will allow us to go to the quarter-final because that is our objective. We will try to show a beautiful face of Senegal and play well. We’re just thinking about getting the ball rolling and winning this game.
How is the group doing before this match?
Players are doing very well. We are all happy to stay together. There is a very good atmosphere. Frankly, it’s a fantastic group in which the older ones really mentor the younger ones. We stay together all the time and watch the games together. We are good together and we live well together. It’s a great group and very relaxed. We know what we have to do. The group is calm, focused and aware that tomorrow’s task will not be easy.
How do you feel now after missing the last two games due to injury?
Indeed, I received a knock during the first match against Gambia but it is much better. I was managed well and we worked well with the medical staff since that day. I feel very good today.
Have you spoken with Ibrahim Sangaré, one of your partners at Nottingham Forest?
No, we didn’t discuss. But it’s not just Ibra (Sangaré). There is also Willy Boly and Serge Aurier. We are always happy to find one of our club teammates during a major competition with the selection. Everyone is focused and defends the colors of their country. We really know that there will be one who returns to Nottingham sooner than expected. We would perhaps have liked to meet a little later in the competition but that’s how fate decided it. Everyone, for their part, will give their best but on Tuesday, there will be one who will return to England. We, Senegal, will do everything to advance to the quarter-finals.
