A Senegal star has now revealed that he believes the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be the "best in history".
Lions of Teranga captain and Al Hilal star Kalidou Koulibaly, along with the rest of his national team, arrived in the Ivory Coast capital of Yamoussoukro and promised the Senegalese supporters a "big gift" at the end of the tournament.
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The reigning AFCON champions will be looking to retain their status as the best side on the continent as they prepare for the tournament.
Achieving this feat, however, could prove to be a difficult task considering the talent that will be on display from 13 January to 11 February 2024, with Koulibaly admitting that all the big teams seem up for the challenge.
"I think that the Côte d'Ivoire edition will be the best in history of the competition because all the big teams are present and are fully prepared," the defender told CAFOnline.
"It will show the true image of African football, and I think that whoever wins the title in the end will deserve it."
"I ask the Senegalese fans to be behind us during the competition and to pray for us in their prayers,"' he added.
"Their support we will take us far in the competition, and we will represent them well and give them a big gift in the end."
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While the Lions of Teranga are considered by many to be favourites to win the competition, they were drawn into a tough group that consists of Gambia, Guinea, as well as five-time winners Cameroon.
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