Senegal stamped their authority as a tournament favourite with an impressive 3-0 victory vs Botwsana, on their opening game at AFCON. Whilst 3-0 is a comprehensive victory, it's not good enough for some, most notably current Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.
In the post interview the experienced midfielder remarked: "It's good to win 3-0, score three goals and not concede any. But I find it a shame to only score three goals when you are better than a team".
This could be perceived as arrogance by some, but you could argue it's why Senegal have previously succeeded in the competition. Their attack alone has the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye. They have veterans Kalidou Koulibaly and Champions League winning Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, West Ham's new signing Malick Diouf and Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur. They have Europe's elite at their disposal.
So yes you could say that the quote feels a bit misaligned with the unpredictable nature of AFCON. However, you can also appreciate the significant quality, manager Pape Thiaw has it his disposal - especially the financial expenditure of the team compared to their Bostwanan counter parts.
Gueye also went on to say that "you've got to to crush them. That's how they show you respect".
Senegal accumulated 3.66 XG in yesterday's game, 28 shots and nine big chances. When you're creating that volume of chances alone, you suddenly have the basis to feel slightly frustrated that you only won by three goals.
The Lions continue their AFCON campaign on the 27th December, vs DR Congo - where they look to make it a perfect six points from six.
