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 NEWSGiresse – “We are closer to our dream” 02-04-2012
Mali coach Alain Giresse says his team are closer to their dream ahead of their semi final mach against co-hosts Gabon on Sunday in Libreville. The former France midfielder tells Cafonline.com that his players are primed and focus the crucial encounter. Cafonline.com: How do you see your next game against Gabon? Alain Giresse: It’s an important game we can’t afford to commit mistakes. The technical staff and players will do their best to win this game and qualify for the semi final, and who knows maybe even further. Cafonline.com: Then you must have an ambition of playing at the final? Alain Giresse: Definitely. Our ambition as a team, staff and supporters is to play in the final and win the title. That’s the case with every team at the tournament. But we can’t talk about that now, we have to focus on the Gabon game and afterwards we will think of the rest. Cafonline.com: How are you coping with the absence of some key players for the game? Alain Giresse: We have many absentees but we have no choice. All the players in my squad are of the highest standard. We will choose the best team to ensure victory. I assure you that, we have got a group of talented players who are experienced as far as such games are concerned. Cafonline.com: Do you believe your experienced players can make the difference? Alain Giresse: Yes they can. We have some important players like Captain Cedric Kante (Panathinaikos, Greece) and Seydou Keita (Barcelona, Spain). I have high hopes they can lead their teammates using their experience. They are amazing players and everyone here respects and loves them. Besides, the whole team has played in tournaments in the past and are familiar with the terrain. Cafonline.com: What is your assessment of the performance of your team against Botswana? Alain Giresse: We had some crucial and exciting moments in that match. Botswana surprisingly took the lead but we responded quickly to equalize and eventually win the match. At the same time, we had a keen eye on the other group match. I was in a similar situation with Gabon two years ago and unfortunately, we could not progress. This time, I was lucky there was no obstacle and we qualified for the quarter final. |
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