Sadio Mane Sends Warning to AFCON Teams, Makes Bold Claim About Senegal

• Sadio Mane is remaining confident ahead of AFCON 2023
• The Al-Nassr star believes Senegal can defend their title
• Mane's country begin their campaign against the Gambia

Al-Nassr star, Sadio Mane has charged his Senegal teammates to go to Ivory Coast with the intention of defending their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Teranga Lions, who are reigning champions of Africa, remain one of the favourites to win the tournament, which begins next week in Ivory Coast.

Having tasted success in Cameroon, the former Liverpool star remains confident of Senegal winning the continental competition for a second time.

Despite his outspoken respect for the 23 other countries battling for the trophy, Mane has insisted Senegal is confident heading into the tournament.

"We respect all the teams, but we do not fear any of them. Playing for Senegal and fearing a team during this [competition] is a lack of respect for the national flag. We are leaving to defend our trophy with all the fighting spirit that could require," Mane said, as quoted by Sene News.

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Senegal will begin the defence of their title on January 14 with a clash against neighbours, the Gambia, before engaging five-time champions, Cameroon, as well as Guinea in Group C, as reported by Soccer Laduma.

The West African giants have opened their training camp in Dakar and will face Niger in a friendly clash before departing for Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Sadio Mane builds stadium in Senegal

Sports Brief previously reported that Sadio Mane continued his efforts at development in Senegal by building a new stadium in his hometown.

The Al-Nassr star returned to Bambali to open the sports facility ahead of the Teranga Lions' camp for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Around a year ago, the former Liverpool star was spotted playing on a muddy pitch in Bambali after a season in Europe and had vowed to return.

Sadio Mane headlines Senegal's AFCON squad

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Sports Brief also previously reported that reigning African champions, Senegal have named their final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The veteran duo of Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly headline Aliou Cisse's squad that will soon be on the plane to Cote d'Ivoire next month.

The Lions of Teranga will be looking to defend the crown they won last in 2022 and much of that winning squad have been called up once again.