Senegal FA chief Augustin Senghor is, once again, touting the credentials of his Lions of Teranga in the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

For him, the team will qualify and get the trophy. The Teranga Lions were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2017 edition, which extended Senegal’s wait for an AFCON title to 52 years.

But the FA boss considers year 2018 a turning point since the national team will participate in the World Cup.

“Since our national team will be participating in the World Cup, it is going to help the boys prepare for next edition of the African Cup of Nations in 2019 whose trophy remains the main goal for Senegal,” said Senghor in his new year message to football fans.

Senegal were eliminated in 2017 edition by Cameroon in the quarter-finals, despite dominance performance, having lost 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw.

The Aliou Cisse coached side got their Group A campaign in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers off to a winning start by defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in June last year.

Senegal will resume their qualifying campaign in September when they will travel to face Madagascar in a top-of-the-table clash