Senegal will begin their defense of their African Cup of Nations crown against Niger on Monday. On January 15, Aliou Cisse’s team takes against Gambia in the Cup of Nations. They are eager to start the competition in top form.
Preview (Senegal vs. Niger)
In their last practice match before the competition starts next week, Senegal—who are favorites to retain the continental title they won two years ago—aims to make a statement. With victories over Cameroon (1-0) and South Sudan (4-0), the Lions of Teranga have the chance to extend their winning streak to three games in all competitions on Monday. Togo held the African champions scoreless in their World Cup qualifying match. Cisse’s team is still improving and will attempt to maintain a perfect record in all competitions on Monday. Africa’s second-best team, the Lions, will have plenty of time to rest and recuperate before their opening match. It takes place one week after their match against Niger.
Senegal will benefit from winning in the lead-up to their championship defense, so there’s no need to panic if they don’t win. Menas wants to ruin the party and cast doubt on Cisse’s Lions. Niger will not be competing in the continental showcase. To build on their November World Cup qualifying success against Zambia, Zaki Badou’s team needs to believe that they can compete with a country ranked 109 spots higher in the FIFA men’s standings.
After losing 1-0 to Tanzania in the opening round of play, the West African country rebounded admirably. They defeated the Copper Bullets 2-1 to resurrect their hopes of making their debut. They might have to settle for second place. Nigeriens have scored in three of their last four games across all competitions. It remains to be seen if such is evident against the Lions of Teranga.
Team News
The much-maligned Chelsea players Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo, and Boulaye Dia are among the Senegalese forwards led by Sadio Mane. The two-time champion Kalidu Koulibaly may start at center-back against Niger on Monday. The goals scored by Boubacar Goumey and Madou Moutari in Niger’s November triumph over Zambia suggest that the two will likely start in the team’s assault against Senegal. While Menas has the option to use a back four or a five. They are anticipated to choose the former when playing the African champions. In the match on Monday, Senegal’s superior strength up top should overwhelm a Niger team with little to play for.
Senegal 3-0 Niger
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