Cisse: Senegal working to become the best

Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals press conference for Senegal at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 09 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Jul 11, 2019. 16:00

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse says his charges gave everything as they overcame Benin.

The Lions of Teranga sneaked into the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after defeating the Squirrels 1-0 in a quarter-final match on Wednesday night.

Idrissa Gana Gueye scored the only goal of the match in the second-half after being sent through on goal by Sadio Mane at the 30 June Stadium in Egypt.

Cisse reflected on the important victory which sent Senegal to the last four.

"We are very happy after this victory. The Benin team was very difficult and they demonstrated it tonight. We had the opportunity to score very early but we could not," Cisse said.

"I would like to congratulate the Benin team and their coach for the efforts provided since the beginning of the tournament.

'My players gave everything to be on top, to play higher and score. I want to congratulate my players for the heroic match as well as the qualification that is deserved for us," he added.

"Since 2006, Senegal has not reached the semi-finals of the AFCON, which proves that we are working to become the best."

Senegal will face the winner between Madagascar and Tunisia in the semi-finals on Sunday.