AFCON 2023: Why Senegal’s Title Defence Will Be Difficult, According to Sadio Mane

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations starts this month in Ivory Coast
• Sadio Mane and Senegal will be looking to defend their title
• The Al-Nassr star discussed Senegal's chances at AFCON 2023

Sadio Mane and Senegal are getting ready to defend the Africa Cup of Nations title they won in 2022.

The Lions of Teranga are one of the favourites to win it, but they aren't alone. Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, hosts Cote d'Ivoire, and Ghana are regarded as serious contenders.

Before last year's tournament, Senegal was one of the biggest footballing countries in Africa to never win an AFCON title. They reached the final in 2002 and 2019 but both of those games ended in painful defeats.

Last year, they were not to be denied; they beat Egypt on penalties, with Mane scoring a decisive spot kick to send the stadium into delirium, per the BBC.

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This time around, the expectations will even be higher. On paper, they still have one of the best squads, and they are expected to go through to the final.

Morocco reached the World Cup semis last year; Nigeria boasts the most fearsome strike force on the continent; Egypt has Mohamed Salah, while Ghana's Black Stars have Mohammed Kudus.

Therefore, Senegal will need to be on top of their game to repeat their 2022 success.

Mane on Senegal's AFCON chances

Speaking to CAF, the Al-Nassr superstar opened up on why this tournament will be tough.

"We know it won’t be easy but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round. We are expecting a tough competition. This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here and they all have their targets, but we will see what will happen," he said.

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The Liverpool legend is right - it will be tough. Ghana will be looking to win their first AFCON title in 42 years, while giants, Nigeria, are looking for their second title in the 21st century.

Egypt, the country with the most AFCON titles, haven't won one since 2010. Morocco last won it in 1976, so all these teams will look to right the wrongs of the past.

However, the unpredictability of the tournament means some won't get deep into the tournament.

Mane scores brace against Al-Ittihad

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that ex-Bayern Munich winger, Sadio Mane scored in Al-Nassr's win over Al-Ittihad at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in the Saudi Pro League.

The Senegalese winger had an excellent performance for the Knights of Najd against their Karim Benzema-led rivals, with his team putting more pressure on league leaders, Al-Hilal.