AFCON: Senegalese legend Diouf names Egypt as title favourites

Senegalese legend El Hadji Diouf has placed the Pharaohs of Egypt as frontrunners in the race for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Egypt are set to host this year’s edition of the continental tournament between June and July.

Diouf says the hosts are among the favourites to claim the title, with Morocco and Nigeria being the other teams likely to triumph.

Diouf feels the presence of reigning African Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah gives the Pharaohs the edge over the rest of the 24 competing teams.

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“I would put Senegal at the top because it is my country and I hope they win the title but there are many other good teams – Egypt will be at the forefront with Morocco and Nigeria,” Diouf told Goal.com.

“Egypt is the strongest candidate for me because they will play in their own country with a lot of fans and they have very good players led by Mohamed Salah. He’s a very decisive player and has a full country behind him.”

On his country winning the AFCON title, the former Liverpool star admitted that “Winning a tournament needs a complete system.”

He continued: “The players have to be mentally and psychologically ready to fight in every game.

“Senegal needs players who are responsible and fans who are always committed and behind the team. We have a lot of very good players and great talents that must rise to the level of the event in order to achieve the title.”

Duouf was part of the 2002 Senegal side that impressed in the World Cup and made it to the final of the AFCON in the same year.

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