Frenchman Alain Giresse says Senegal have ambition to win AFCON

Senegal come into the 2015  CAF Africa Cup of Nations  with “ambition” as they look to finally get their hands on the continental crown, coach Alain Giresse said on Sunday.

“We have ambition and want to put in good performances but only what happens on the field will decide how far we can go,” Giresse told journalists ahead of his side's Group C opener against Ghana in Mongomo on Monday.

Senegal are desperate to impress after losing all three games in the group stage in 2012 and then failing to qualify for the 2013 finals. However, they will also come up against South Africa and Algeria in a section that could hardly have been more challenging for the Lions of Teranga.

Giresse added: “It has been described as the most difficult group. There are three teams who finished top of their (qualifying) group, and two who were at the FIFA World Cup™. Ghana are one of the best teams on the continent, that's the way it is at every CAN.

“The Ghanaians did well at the last World Cup and they almost reached the semi-finals in 2010. Their current team are among the favourites, although recently the favourites have not won the CAN. It is a strange competition, different to the World Cup where it is often the favourites who are there at the end.”

Meanwhile, Frenchman Giresse indicated that the Senegalese delegation were pleasantly surprised with the facilities they have found in Mongomo amid widespread concerns about inadequate accommodation.

“We are adapting to the conditions that are absolutely fine, from the accommodation to the training facilities. We were worried after our first visit here, but we have been reassured since our arrival this time.”