Senegal vs Cameroon
International Friendly
Monday
16th October 2023
Stade Bollaert-Delelis
The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the International Friendly fixture between Senegal and Cameroon.
Senegal vs Cameroon: Preview
Senegal form analysis
Lions de la Téranga have put together some strong performances despite a few disappointing results. In March they began Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a 0-1 win away to Mozambique thanks to a Boulaye Dia goal. However they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Benin in June, with Reagy Ofosu scoring a late equalizer. In a friendly later that month, Senegal impressed in a 2-4 loss to Brazil, with Sadio Mane bagging a brace.
After a gap, Senegal returned to qualifying action in September but were held to a 1-1 home draw by Rwanda. Mane was rested for that game which may have impacted their attacking potency. Most recently, they lost 0-1 to Algeria in another friendly as their 100% qualifying record was ended.
Overall though, Senegal have shown they have the quality to trouble top teams, as the Brazil match demonstrated. Sadio Mane’s goals and creativity remain a huge plus point. Defensively they have been solid if not impenetrable. Coach Aliou Cisse will hope to guide Senegal to AFCON success on home soil next year.
Cameroon form analysis
Cameroon have had mixed results in their last 5 matches. Their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign started slowly with a 1-1 home draw against Namibia in March, needing a late equalizer from Olivier Kemen. Things got worse as they lost 1-2 away to Namibia days later, despite Vincent Aboubakar’s goal.
In June, Cameroon showed promise in a 2-2 friendly draw with Mexico. Bryan Mbeumo and Karl Toko Ekambi scored their goals. After a break, they returned to qualifying action with a solid 3-0 win over Burundi in September with Mbeumo, Collins Fai and Aboubakar finding the net.
However, Cameroon ended this period with a 0-1 friendly loss to Russia earlier this month. Their attackers struggled to make an impact in that game.
Overall, Cameroon have shown offensive potential but need to find more consistency, as the Namibia qualifiers demonstrated. Finding the right balance will be key for coach Rigobert Song ahead of the 2023 AFCON on home soil.
