AFCON 2023: Why it will be difficult for Senegal to defend title – Sadio Mane reveals

Senegalese international Sadio Mane is anticipating tough competition at the fast-approaching African Cup of Nations.

The Taranga Lions are gearing up to defend the title they won in Cameroon two years ago after beating Egypt in the shootouts in the grand finale.

The Al Nassr star scored the decisive spot kick to end their long wait for the AFCON title.

It was Senegal's first-ever AFCON title after heartbreaking two grand finale defeats in 2002 and 2019.

Speaking on his team's chances ahead of the 2023 edition of the biennial competition, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star described the tournament as one of the toughest he has featured in.

"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.

Senegal have been placed in Group C alongside Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia.

World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and Ghana are considered favourites.

The tournament will kick off on Saturday, January 13 to February 11.