In a blockbuster showdown on Monday at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Senegal, the defending champions, will resume their title defense against Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16. The victor in this clash between football heavyweights will advance to the quarter-final, facing either Mali or Burkina Faso in the next stage.
Match Preview:
Just over a year since Senegal secured a 1-0 victory against Ivory Coast in the CAF African Nations Championship, the Lions of Teranga aim for a repeat performance to move closer to defending their AFCON title. Senegal displayed exceptional form in the group stages, winning all three matches against Gambia, Cameroon, and Guinea. With only one goal conceded, they possess the joint-best defensive record in the competition.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s AFCON journey has faced challenges, surviving in the competition due to Ghana’s poor form. Despite a promising start with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, they stumbled against Nigeria and suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea. The sacking of manager Jean-Louis Gasset followed, but interim coach Emerse Fae now leads the Elephants in their bid to keep their AFCON title hopes alive.
History favors Ivory Coast, having won both previous encounters against Senegal in this competition (1965 and 1986). However, Senegal’s recent form and defensive solidity make them formidable opponents.
Team Form:
- Senegal AFCON Form: WWW
- Senegal Form (All Competitions): WDWWWW
- Ivory Coast AFCON Form: WLL
- Ivory Coast Form (All Competitions): WWWLL
Team News:
- Marseille’s Pape Gueye faces doubts over his involvement due to injury.
- Abdallah Sima is ruled out for Senegal, with Habib Diallo expected to lead the attacking line.
- Hosts Ivory Coast anticipate changes under interim coach Emerse Fae, with potential omissions of Sebastian Haller and Nicolas Pepe.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, A Diallo, Jakobs; P.M Sarr, Gueye, Camara; I Sarr, H Diallo, Mane
Ivory Coast: Y Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; S Fofana, Sangare, Kessie; Kouame, Krasso, Boga
The clash promises high stakes, with both teams aiming to progress further in the AFCON tournament.
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