Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse says North African fanaticism over their national teams is unrivalled on the continent which gives them an edge.
The African champions lost 1-0 to Egypt in their first leg 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff in a packed Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening – with the crowd notably playing a crucial role in the Pharaohs’ performance.
In what was a little bit of revenge for the North Africans after losing the final in Cameroon last month, Cisse has now opened up on what he deems as a massive advantage for the North African sides at home.
“I’ve worked in this field for years. I was a Senegal international and there is a mentality that our fans haven’t embraced yet,” Cisse said according to Senego (h/t) KingFut.
“We need more fanaticism when it comes to supporting as we see in Algeria and Tunisia, where politicians and journalists become fans when the national team plays.
“I hope that on Tuesday, people with suits will leave their seats for those who wear football jerseys. We want to see green, yellow and red in the stands.
“The contribution of the fans will be very important to us. I invite all the Senegalese people. We need our fans.”
The Lions of Teranga will face up against Carlos Quieroz’s side on Tuesday evening at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar (19h00).
