Ferdinand Coly says Senegal have become victims of their own success after their trailblazing passage to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002.
Senegal, who face Tunisia in the last eight of the African Nations Cup on Saturday, have struggled to make an impression here despite coming through their group unbeaten and finishing second to Mali.
"Nothing has changed with the team," said the Perugia defender.
"Since our brilliant performance at the 2002 World Cup and since making the final of the last Cup of Nations in the same year, all of our opponents are super-motivated and they prepare down to the smallest detail to face Senegal.
"We have become the team to beat. In the first round, it was essential to qualify for the last eight and for Senegal just as important to remain unbeaten," added Coly.
In Saturday's quarter-final against the hosts, Coly believes he has the key to victory.
"They will have the advantage of playing at home and in front of their own crowd," he said.
"It will be a great match but to win it will be necessary to score first."