Ex-Pirates’ Micho says Senegal showing AFCON king status in Qatar
Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says Senegal has lived up to its status as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions after advancing to the 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16 in Qatar.
Micho also congratulated Senegal coach Alious Cisse for his FIFA World Cup milestone after joining the Stephen Keshi club as the second African to reach the last 16 both as a player and coach.
Late Keshi played at the USA in 1994 with the Super Eagles Nigeria and coached them at Brazil 2014.
It is also the first time since that Keshi feat in 2014 that a reigning AFCON champion in a FIFA World Cup season has reached the last 16.
Micho is quite familiar with Cisse’s team after losing 3-1 to Senegal as then Chipolopolo Zambia coach in an away friendly on June 5, 2021.
SENEGAL, ALIOUS CISSE BLESSED – MICHO
“It has shown me since that time I must say that they are really blessed. They have that committed, dedicated and hard-working players,” Micho told FARPost.
“And then less than one year after winning the AFCON, we see them progressing to the top 16 of the World Cup.”
Senegal finished second in Group A with 6 points, one behind the Netherlands following Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Ecuador who finished third with 3 points.
Hosts Qatar exited bottom of Group A with zero points.
“Someone would say they were not in a strong group or say this and that but personally believe that luck usually follows the courageous people,” added Micho.
“In that regard, coach Aliou Cisse as a player reached the last 16, as a coach has now reached the last 16.
“To the President of the Senegalese Federation Augustine Senghor, the Senegalese Federation as a whole and the millions of Senegalese have reason to be proud when they have won the AFCON, qualified for the World Cup and now reached the last 16.”
Senegal will take on England on December 4 in their debut FIFA World Cup tournament meeting.
The Lions of Teranga are seeking their first quarterfinal appearance since the World Cup FIFA Japan/South Korea in 2002.
“Whatever happens against England, it is football. Anything is possible, but this progression is showing that Senegal football is on the right path and is the pride of African football,” Micho said.
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