Sadio Mane has now made a big declaration ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
The continent's biggest international tournament is set to kick off in January next year, and with all the talent in the competing teams vying to win it, the Al Nassr star believes Africa must turn its attention to winning the FIFA World Cup.
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Mane and his Senegal side are the reigning AFCON champions, having won the 2021 edition of the tournament, and speaking in a recent interview, the forward revealed that he is looking forward to the challenge of trying to retain their status as title holders.
"I'm really, really excited to be here as the defending team. It won't be easy, but like I always said, we're going to be here to do our best," he told CAF.
"This competition will be the most strongest since I started playing Africa Cup of Nations because all the biggest countries, all the teams are here.
"I think they all have their targets; it's to win the cup, which is completely normal, but we'll see what's going to happen."
It is because of the wealth of quality that will be on display at the 34th instalment of the tournament that Mane believes new standards must be set, with the World Cup in mind.
"In Africa, we have incredible talents; from now on, the continent's objective must be to win the World Cup," he added.
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Morocco's stunning display at the 2022 World Cup will be an inspiration to other countries on the continent after they became the first-ever African team to reach the semi-finals of the showpiece.
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