2023-08-03 22:48:00
The Lionesses coach spoke at a press conference after his team qualified for the AfroBasket final, beating Mali (75-65), and spoke about the final that awaits them on Saturday against Nigeria .
Moustapha Gaye after Senegal’s victory against Mali (75-65):
It’s an immeasurable happiness because we started very hard. We give thanks to God and thank the players, they are brave, they have come a long way. We had to defend and they did. Congratulations to everyone. We had lost against Mali (in the second pool match) but we were good at half-time, we were leading. We collapsed (in the second half), because Mali had been aggressive in defense and we had lowered our legs.
We asked ourselves a lot of questions and we found the answers. The team got better as the games progressed. I congratulate this very beautiful and wonderful team from Mali. We worked together. The girls regained their health because physically, we weren’t in the game. We were very good in defense tonight. We must continue like this.
On Cierra Dillard’s performance
Ciera is a phenomenon. I followed her a lot before bringing her in and I really appreciated it. I met her in Egypt and I was convinced that we had found the right player for us, a leader of a very good level to return to Africa. We are waiting for the end of the competition. There, it is necessary to magnify the work as a whole. Because without the others, Cierra would never make it. Fatou Dieng is his mentor. She is always by her side and she learns from her, from Aya (Traoré) or from Oumoul Khairy (Sarr). By the way, it’s teamwork.
On the final against Nigeria
We are preparing against a very good team. Some said Nigeria comes without its stars but the team I saw is capable. However, I wish them to lose in the final. It’s a great team but we’re going to fight and do everything to win. We are in the final and we come to win. Senegal has arguments to put forward. It’s going to be a very interesting final. May the best win. I hope it will be us.
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