The Lions' qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was achieved through team unity. In the mixed zone, a beaming striker Habib Diallo was keen to dedicate this success to the collective effort. For the Senegalese goalscorer, beyond his individual performance, it was above all "the work of the entire group" that allowed Senegal to secure their place in the next round.

Reflecting on the match, Habib Diallo offered a clear-sighted analysis of the opposition's resistance. Facing a tenacious team determined to cause an upset, the Lions weathered the storm during an intense opening phase. The game plan was clear: be patient and strike first. "We knew that if we scored first, there would be gaps," he explained, emphasizing that the opening goal was the real turning point, allowing them to unlock the opposing defense.

The striking image that stands out for the striker remains the goal celebrations. Whether it was his own goal or that of defender Abdoulaye Seck, the gesture was the same: a collective sprint towards the bench. "This shows the cohesion and unity that exist within this team. We are a family," Diallo explained, emphasizing that this solidarity between starters and substitutes is the driving force behind their progress.

Now focused on the knockout stage, Habib Diallo refuses to let his guard down. For him, the tournament enters a new dimension where "every match is like a final." The preparation for the round of 16 will therefore be carried out with the same rigor and seriousness as the group stage, with only one objective in mind: to win and continue Morocco's journey.