Kante – “Our dream is the semi final”

Mali skipper Cedric Kante has an unquenchable thirst of reaching the semi finals at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations. The Panathinaikos defender tells Cafonline.com that their match against co-hosts Gabon will be tough, but their morale in camp will drive to the last four.

 

Cafonline.com: What do you make of your chances against Gabon?

Cedric Kante: I believe both teams have an equal chance. Both teams share the same goal. It will be 90 minutes of football and the better side will win and qualify to the semi final. I hope we can achieve victory and we will do our best towards that.

 

Cafonline.com: Any fears considering the fact that Gabon are the co-hosts besides their performance at the group stage?

 

Cedric Kante: With all respect to Gabon, we know that they have the home advantage but we are also motivated to win and qualify. After that long journey, we want to go as far as possible in this tournament. This is a great chance for this generation. The game won’t be easy but the pitch will decide.

 

Cafonline.com: How do you evaluate your group stage performance?

 

Cedric Kante: We played in a tough group which included tough teams like Ghana and Guinea, and also Botswana who were looking for good results in their maiden appearance. We won two matches and were unlucky in the other game against Ghana who were tough opponents. I believe our game against Botswana was one of the most difficult because they caught us by surprise with the lead in the second half. We came back and scored twice to win. We played this game under pressure because we had to win and wait for the result of the other match involving Ghana and Guinea.

 

Cafonline.com: Do you feel tired after these matches?

 

Cedric Kante: We are done with this stage and ready for the next match. Our coach told us to forget about the group stage and we have had sufficient rest before the next game. We also have a group of players who are capable of winning. All 23 players in our squad are of equal strength.

 

Cafonline.com: How has the group phase influenced your performance?

 

Cedric Kante: At tournaments, your performance soars with more matches. It’s because harmony between players rises with time especially with the teams who depend on foreign-based players. Also, the technical staff have the chance to monitor the strengths and weakness in the team.

 

Cafonline.com: How are you preparing for the game with Gabon?

 

Cedric Kante: We are ready and will give everything to win and qualify to the semi final. We are motivated to make Malians happy and proud.