A runner-up in 2019, forced to watch the 2022 triumph from the sidelines, and then eliminated prematurely in 2023, Krépin Diatta knows better than anyone the frustrations of top-level football. Yet, as he looks ahead to the Lions' upcoming matches, no bitterness is evident in his words. The AS Monaco midfielder displays the serenity of someone who has learned to overcome adversity.

For Krépin Diatta, the quest for glory should not become an individual obsession. "Every competition you play, you want to win it. We are competitors. But I am only a player, and God is there too," he says philosophically.

Sidelined during the historic victory in Cameroon, he now prefers to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. "I was very happy when Senegal won the AFCON, even though I wasn't there because of my injury. Today, the most important thing is to live in the moment. I've prepared myself properly."

A "Swiss Army knife" at the service of the collective

When questioned about his repositioning to the right wing, far from his initial role in the heart of midfield, the Lion of Teranga was reassuring. His versatility has become a valuable asset for the coaching staff.

“For the past three seasons, even at club level, I’ve played in this position. And at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as well. I’m a versatile player, capable of playing in several positions,” he explains. Confident in his experience, he insists he has no difficulty adapting: “I feel very comfortable. I play there regularly, I have the necessary reflexes. For me, it’s not a problem.” This dedication is driven by a single priority: “Wherever my country calls me, I will be there.”

As the next crucial match approaches, Krépin Diatta refuses to fall into the trap of overconfidence. Despite some sluggish starts for certain opponents, he calls for constant vigilance.

“They are a very good opponent. The match we played there was very, very difficult. We have enormous respect for this team,” he warns, before recalling a fundamental truth of continental football: “In Africa, there are no easy matches. Every match is complicated. The match against Benin is proof of that.”

To reach this new milestone, Krépin Diatta's recipe is clear: intensity and commitment. Talent alone will not be enough to overcome the daunting challenges ahead.

“If we want to get through this round, we know what awaits us. We’ll have to show a winning mentality, be ready in terms of commitment and intensity,” he insists. A necessary realism for a player who knows that on the continent, victory is first and foremost forged in duels. His conclusion sounds like a warning to his teammates: “It’s going to be a very, very difficult match.”