The highly anticipated match in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place between Senegal and Ivory Coast at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
Both teams are football powerhouses in Africa and the winner of this clash will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Mali or Burkina Faso.
Match Preview
Senegal, the defending champions, are looking to continue their title defense with a strong performance against Ivory Coast.
They previously defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 in the CAF African Nations Championship, and they aim to replicate that success and move closer to defending their AFCON title.
Senegal has been in excellent form in the group stages, winning all three matches against Gambia, Cameroon, and Guinea.
With a solid defense and a record of conceding only one goal in their last seven matches, Senegal is determined to secure their fourth consecutive victory in this competition.
On the other hand, Ivory Coast’s AFCON journey has been challenging. They started with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau but struggled in their subsequent matches, losing to Nigeria and suffering a shocking 4-0 defeat in their final group stage match.
Despite their difficulties, Ivory Coast managed to qualify for the round of 16 as the fourth-best third-placed team. Interim coach Emerse Fae now carries the responsibility of keeping their AFCON title hopes alive.
While Senegal appears to be the stronger team, Ivory Coast has a historical advantage, having won both previous encounters against Senegal in this competition (in 1965 and 1986).
Senegal Africa Cup of Nations form: W W W
Senegal form (all competitions): W D W W W W
Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations form: W L L
Ivory Coast form (all competitions): W W W W L L
Team News
Senegal might be without Marseille’s Pape Gueye due to injury, and his involvement in this match is uncertain.
Attacker Abdallah Sima has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a thigh injury. Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo is expected to lead the line, supported by Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr.
Ivory Coast, with a new coach, is likely to make changes to their lineup. Sebastian Haller, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, is unlikely to feature.
Serge Aurier and Nicolas Pepe are hoping for a starting position after being substitutes in the last match.
Possible Starting Lineups
Senegal: (4-3-3)
Mendy;
Diatta, Koulibaly, A Diallo, Jakobs;
P.M Sarr, Gueye, Camara;
I Sarr, H Diallo, Mane
Ivory Coast: (4-3-3)
Y Fofana;
Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan;
S Fofana, Sangare, Kessie;
Kouame, Krasso, Boga
Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Ivory Coast
While Ivory Coast managed to reach the last 16, we believe their journey will end here. Senegal has been dominant in the group stages and has showcased their superiority over other teams in the competition.
We anticipate another commanding performance from the defending champions, resulting in a 2-0 victory for Senegal.
