Senegal's wins against World Cup hosts Japan and South Korea in the build-up to Mali 2002 says much about the ambition of the Lions.
They are definitely the team of the moment, and feel they are going places.
They made a big impression at the last Nations Cup, coming within four minutes of putting out co-hosts Nigeria.
Team-spirit and morale are at all-time highs, and the Lions are getting stronger all the time.
They have had a fantastic year, but with the Nations Cup and a first ever appearance at the World Cup beckoning, 2002 promises to be even better.
As star striker El Hadj Diouf says: "If we don't reach the semi-finals in Mali it will be a huge disappointment."
Don't be surprised if Senegal go a step or two further than that.
