Senegal will look to secure a first-place finish atop Group C when they face a dangerous Guinea outfit on Tuesday evening. Desh Parthab previews.
AFCON 2023
Match 30 – Guinea v Senegal
Tuesday 23 January | 19:00
The Lions of Teranga have roared their way into the last 16 of AFCON 2023. The defending champions have netted three goals in each of their fixtures and showing no signs of slowing down. Hot on their heels are Guinea, who are also vying to finish top of the Group.
To Win Match
Guinea 49/20 | Draw 31/20 | Senegal 27/20
Guinea have amassed four points from their opening two fixtures at AFCON. Kaba Diawara’s men held Cameroon on opening day, before dispatching Gambia by a solitary goal to come into this round of action in second place in Group C.
The National Elephants are on the brink of qualifying for a place in the knockout rounds of the competition. In their most recent tie against Gambia, Aguibou Camara scored the only goal of the game, latching onto Morgan Guilavogui’s pass, to hand his nation maximum points.
Whilst they just need to avoid defeat on the day to progress via direct qualification, two goals in two doesn’t bode well for their goal difference.
Le Harve’s Mohamed Bayo has looked sharp. The 25-year-old has attempted five shots across his two appearances, returning one goal. He has struck the woodwork twice and could add to his tally in this one.
Minutes for Bayo could be limited for the remainder of the tournament, as Serhou Guirassy could force his way back into the lineup. The second-top scorer in the Bundesliga appeared on the bench against Gambia and could start in this one.
Senegal’s fifth win of a six-match unbeaten run means that Aliou Cisse’s men are favourites to go on and defend their title. In doing so, they would be the first since Egypt in 2010, to successfully retain the AFCON trophy (with the Pharaohs winning it three times in a row).
The Lions of Teranga have booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the competition, after a pair of dominant performances. The first of which was a 3 -0 romp over Gambia, before a 3-1 dismantling of Cameroon. Those victories mean that they occupy top spot in Group C.
Ismaila Sarr has been directly involved in half of those goals. The Marseille winger supplied an assist for Lamine Camara on the opening day before opening his account at the tournament against Cameroon.
Verdict: Senegal 27/20
With top spot in Group C still on the line, Senegal will field their strongest possible line-up. They should prove too strong for a spirited Guinea outfit.
