Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said his side will show respect but also ambition when they face seven-time champions Egypt in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
Egypt booked their place in the last four with a 3-2 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast on Saturday, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Senegal.
The Lions of Teranga reached the semi-finals after edging Mali 1-0 in their quarter-final.
“We will face a seven-star Egyptian team. They are the most successful team in Africa in terms of their record,” Thiaw told a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.
Egypt are appearing in their 17th AFCON semi-final and will be seeking revenge after losing to Senegal in the final of the 2021 tournament.
Thiaw, 44, said his players were ready for the challenge.
“We are approaching this match with respect and ambition,” he said. “We know we are facing a very strong team that is used to these kinds of matches, but we are determined to win and reach the final while staying true to our playing philosophy.”
The winner will face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria, who meet in the other semi-final, in Sunday’s final.
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