WAFCON: Senegal must rise their game to stand Morocco chance – Cissé

Senegal women’s national team coach Mame Moussa Cissé has challenged her players to rise their game when they face hosts Morocco in their final group fixture of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday.

Despite sitting third in the group, Senegal still have a chance to qualify if they stun the Atlas Lionesses in front of their fans. They have three points from two matches, while Morocco are sitting top with four points.

In the same group, Zambia also have a good chance to qualify for the quarter-finals if they manage to beat DR Congo. The tightness of the group has left head coach Cissé urging her players to stay mentally strong and face the Morocco challenge with zeal.

“Our team’s identity is based on individual responsibility and collective commitment. The girls know they will have to raise their game,” said Cissé as quoted by CAFOnline. “A challenge made more demanding by the fact that they will face two opponents: the Moroccan team and their home crowd.

“That’s what makes this type of match even more exciting. We love this atmosphere. And there’s a strong Senegalese community here.”

Senegal player Sadiqatou Diallo revisited the last contest between the two sides, a friendly, which ended 7-0 in favour of Morocco saying it won’t affect their plans to get a win in the WAFCON battle.

“That match allowed us to identify our weaknesses. Since then, we’ve worked hard. It will be a different context,” explained the U20 captain, now promoted to the senior team.

The Zambia versus DR Congo fixture will be staged at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia.