The Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro will reverberate with anticipation as Guinea lock horns with Senegal in a decisive Group C clash at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The National Elephants need just one point to secure a top-two finish in the group and guarantee their qualification for the knockout stage, while the Teranga Lions, who have already sealed their place in the last 16, must avoid defeat to finish top of the group.
Senegal secured their place in the knockout stages of AFCON 2023 after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Cameroon in their second group game.
Ismaila Sarr’s deflected shot and Habib Diallo’s sweeping finish put the reigning African champions in a comfortable position. However, Jean-Charles Castelletto’s goal for the Indomitable Lions with seven minutes of injury time remaining put the Teranga Lions under immense pressure.
Just when it seemed Cameroon might snatch a point, Sadio Mane stepped up in the 95th minute to score his first goal of the tournament and seal the victory for Aliou Cisse’s men, taking them to six points from two matches and securing their qualification for the round of 16.
With top spot in the group up for grabs, Senegal will look to maintain their unbeaten run in their final group game on Tuesday. Avoiding defeat would guarantee them first place and potentially a more favourable tie in the next round.
The Teranga Lions are now unbeaten in their last six matches, including friendlies, winning the last three, while they have also not lost in their last nine AFCON matches, dating back to the 2022 tournament.
Cisse, who suffered a gastric infection and spent the night under observation in hospital after the Cameroon game, will be hoping his side can deliver another strong performance to extend their unbeaten run.
For Guinea, however, complacency is not an option heading into Tuesday’s crucial battle for qualification.
Their 1-0 victory over Gambia, secured by Aguibou Camara’s 69th-minute strike, has put Kaba Diawara’s side in the driving seat. With four points from two games, Guinea control their own destiny going into the final group match.
A single point will be enough for the Guineans to seal a top-two spot and book their place in the knockout stages. However, defeat would leave them reliant on Cameroon dropping points against Gambia or a superior goal difference should both teams finish on four points.
It is worth noting that Guinea and Senegal shared the same group at the previous AFCON, playing out a goalless draw. The National Elephants will undoubtedly hope to replicate that result against the reigning champions on Tuesday.
Guinea Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Guinea form (all competitions):
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Senegal Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Senegal form (all competitions):
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