Newcastle's Demba Ba: Senegal can go far in the Africa Cup of Nations

Jan 20, 2012 5:50:00 PM

The in-form striker is confident about his side's chances in the competition and revealed that he does not expect an automatic starting berth in the team

Newcastle striker Demba Ba has said he is hopeful Senegal will make their mark in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal are widely expected to reach the knockout stages of the competition after being paired with Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Zambia in the group stage.

Demba Ba has been in great form this season, having so far scored 15 goals in the Premier League, but the 26-year-old says he is not assured of a place in Senegal's first team at the tournament.

"Everyone wants a starting role, but honestly, if that chance falls to another player, we'll be happy for him and give him our full support," he told Fifa.com.

"We have been preparing for this competition for two years. We are a group of friends and most of us have known each other for a very long time. The good mood in our team will help us go far.

"Personally, I just want to carry on in this vein and win titles. That, after all, is the ultimate goal when you play football."

Senegal kick off their Afcon campaign on Saturday, against Zambia, after which they will tackle Equatorial Guinea and then Libya.

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