On the eve of a highly anticipated clash against a Democratic Republic of Congo side renowned for its physicality, Idrissa Gana Gueye held a press conference. The Senegalese midfielder emphasized experience, composure, and respect for the opponent as essential factors for the remainder of the competition.

In a squad where veteran players and new talents coexist, Idrissa Gana Gueye emphasizes the strength of the generational mix within the national team. "We are fortunate to have experienced players in this national team. We are here to share our experience with the younger players, some of whom are experiencing the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. This mix makes the group function very well," he explained. For him, this passing on of knowledge goes beyond the pitch: it aims to establish a "permanent serenity" necessary to take the necessary steps towards victory.

The DRC, a respected rising power

When asked about the Leopards' rise in form since the last World Cup qualifiers, the Lions' midfielder remained clear-headed and dismissed any notion of fear. According to him, the Congolese performances are no surprise, as they are a continuation of their strong showing at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

“This is a team that is progressing and becoming a major African footballing nation. We have a lot of respect and esteem for them,” he stated. However, he reiterated that Senegal remains in control of its own destiny: “We are focused on our team and what we need to achieve. The most important thing is to follow the coach’s instructions and do everything we can to win this match.”

Learn from the past so as not to be victimized again

Looking back on the previous encounter in Kinshasa, marked by a dramatic turn of events, Gana Gueye offered a reflective analysis of the mistakes made despite the eventual victory. While he believes Senegal largely controlled the game, he hasn't forgotten the two goals conceded due to lapses in concentration. The team's strength lay in its ability to remain calm. "Even when we were down 2-0, we stayed true to our style of play and the coach's instructions, which called for patience," he recalled. For tomorrow's match, the watchword is clear: build on this collective maturity to avoid past errors and, this time, take the lead early to dictate the tempo of the game.