Senegal down but not out

Senegal are over their initial disappointment

Senegal, the Nations Cup runners-up, are treating their defeat in the final of Mali 2002 as just another point on a steep learning curve.

The team believes the experience will enable them to come back even more strongly in the future.

Sunday's 3-2 defeat on penalties to Cameroon was Senegal's first Nations Cup final.

They thoroughly deserved their place and got there by beating Nigeria in the semis.

The team believe that they can still get better, and are looking to the World Cup later this year to prove themselves.

And they say the loss against Cameroon will not affect their team spirit for Japan and Korea.

Star defender, Ferdinand Coly a lack of experience of finals had cost them dear.

Facing France

"We did not expect the game to be settled on penalties," Coly said after the game.

"Before the match we did not train to take kicks so we were not prepared mentally for it.

This was still a great tournament for Senegal

"But this is a game of football. We lost the trophy in a good match."

It was a disappointing birthday for Salif Diao, but the Senegalese midfielder says they are holding their heads high.

"I am disappointed but in a positive way," said Diao.

"We have played against big teams in the last year and won, while Cameroon may have lost against these same sides.

"Senegal have shown that we can play well on the big occasion against the best teams.

"Unfortunately we didn't prepare for penalties before the game.

"Cameroon are experienced in playing in the final and for us it is the first time we have a big game like this."

Diao said the team now know how much work should be done ahead of the World Cup's opening match against France in Seoul on May 31.

"If we want to have a good World Cup we must work much harder from now."