Stephan has emphasized the trust he has in his players

Coach Guy Stephan has played down reports that claim star striker El Hadji Diouf enjoyed a late night out before Senegal's opening Group B game against Burkina Faso.

And the Teranga Lions' French manager, who saw his side labour to a 0-0 draw in Monday's game, insists he has every confidence in his players' attitude.

"My players know the importance of these matches," Stephan said.

"We remain professional in our organisation and with our relations with the media and we are concentrating only on our next match with Kenya on Friday."

"I have spoken to El Hadji Diouf and, let me say this, if he went out show me the proof."

Stephan went on to claim that the stories circulating about the former African Footballer of the Year were part of a deliberate attempt to destroy the morale of one of the Cup of Nations favourites.

"It is necessary to pay close attention," the Frenchman said.

"At the moment there is a campaign of destabilisation.

"There is a newspaper which is looking to destabilise the Senegal team.

Liverpool striker Diouf added that the alleged reports did not bother him.

"I know that I wasn't out," Diouf said.

"People talk too much but this does not worry me since we are the team to beat.

"On the pitch, it is almost impossible so they have to try with poison off the pitch."