Senegal coach Cissé stresses focus after dominant WAFCON start

Senegal women’s national team head coach Mame Moussa Cissé said his players must remain humble following their convincing 4-0 win over DR Congo in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group A encounter.

Cissé told reporters after the game that his side must now focus on the next crucial match against Zambia.

“That match is over. It is already behind us. It is up to us now to focus on the next match. Nothing is definitively sealed yet. We are aware that nothing is acquired for good. It is just a good start, but it will only be meaningful if, in the end, it allows us to advance to the second round. Maintaining our identity means having humility,” said Cissé.

Senegal struck four early, unanswered goals against DR Congo, and Cissé credited their preparation for the emphatic victory.

“The coaching staff had worked extensively on DR Congo’s style of play to identify their weaknesses and prepare an appropriate strategy,” he added.

Senegal tops the group with three points, ahead of the 2022 WAFCON finalists, the star-studded Zambian side. Cissé noted that the team is still learning, despite the strong start.

“Scoring four goals against a very good team is difficult, but we could have conceded some too. We must learn from this match and continue to improve.”

Senegal will face Zambia in their second group match on Wednesday, July 9, in Mohammedia.