Senegal's coach Alain Giresse (Photo: Reuters)
Senegal's coach Alain Giresse believes it is of ultimate importance that his side avoid losing to Egypt in their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier on 15 November in Cairo if they are to reach next year's Morocco finals.
Senegal are second in the group with seven points, just one ahead of Egypt who won a double-header against point-less and bottom side Botswana. Tunisia, who snatched a last-gasp 1-0 home victory over Senegal, are on top with 10 points.
"We need to avoid a loss against Egypt and then defeat Botswana to secure a place in next year's Africa Cup of Nations," coach Alain Giresse told RFM on Tuesday.
"I think we are capable of achieving this mission."
The French coach demanded that his players put their result against Tunisia behind them and to focus on the upcoming games.
Despite making a good start to the Nations qualifiers after claiming two successive wins, Senegal were held to a goalless draw by Tunisia in Dakar before being stunned with a late goal by the Tunisians in the second game.
Giresse believes that his side deserved to win their last game against Tunisia.
"We didn't deserve this loss. We made everything during this game without scoring."
"It was a bitter defeat but we should forget it and focus on the future," he added.
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