AFCON 2023: Senegal vs Ivory Coast: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :January 27, 2024 at 5:50 PM

Modified at :January 27, 2024 at 5:50 PM

The hosts face off the defending champions

Senegal, the defending champions, have been in stellar form with convincing wins over Gambia, Cameroon, and Guinea. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in Yamoussoukro as both teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals and a chance to make a statement in the prestigious competition.

Ivory Coast’s unexpected progression, secured as the fourth-best third-placed team, follows a turbulent group stage marked by a shocking 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea. Their knockout stage qualification was aided by Ghana’s poor performance.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday; 30 January 2024, 08:00 PM GMT (01:30 AM IST)

Location: Charles Konan Banny Stadium

Form

Senegal (all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

Ivory Coast (all competitions): W-W-W-L-L

Players to watch

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Sadio Mane is the standout player for Senegal in AFCON 2024. The charismatic team leader has notched up one goal and two assists in three games. Having transitioned from Liverpool to Al-Nassr, Mane boasts an impressive record of 40 goals and 24 assists in 102 appearances for the national team. His decision-making, tactical awareness, creativity, agility, balance, control, ball touch, and dribbling skills further contribute to his dynamic skill set.

Jean-Philippe Krasso (Ivory Coast)

Jean-Philippe Krasso holds a pivotal role for Ivory Coast, especially after finding the net in the opening game against Guinea-Bissau. Despite starting on the bench in the last match against Equatorial Guinea, the FK Crvena Zvezda striker is expected to feature prominently in the knockout stages. With 12 appearances for Ivory Coast, the 26-year-old forward has contributed four goals and one assist to date.

Match Facts

Senegal have scored a total of eight goals in three matches. However, they have conceded only one goal during this period.
Ivory Coast kick-started their home tournament with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau which remains their only win in the tournament.
Senegal have avoided defeat in each of their last 13 matches across all competitions.

Injury and Team News

Senegal forward Abdallah Sima will be sidelined for the remainder of AFCON and an additional two to three months due to a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Lamine Camara, who was rested in the win over Guinea, is expected to make a return to the midfield.

The tactical approach of the new Ivorian manager remains uncertain, but changes are anticipated in the team’s setup. Sebastien Haller has yet to make an appearance in this AFCON due to an ankle injury, while Simon Adingra came off the bench in the last match.

Head-to-Head

Matches – 25

Senegal – 8

Ivory Coast – 14

Draws – 3

Predicted lineup for Senegal vs Ivory Coast

Senegal predicted lineup

Mendy; Diatta, Seck, Koulibaly, Jakobs; Gueye, I. Sarr, P. Sarr, Mendy, Mane; Diallo

Ivory Coast predicted lineup

Y. Fofana; Singo, Boly, Ndicka, Konan; Sangare, Kessie, S. Fofana; Adringra, Krasso, Pepe

Match prediction for Senegal vs Ivory Coast

Despite Ivory Coast holding the upper hand in the head-to-head record, Senegal have emerged as a formidable football powerhouse in recent years. As favorites to defend their AFCON trophy, Senegal have displayed sensational performances.

On the other hand, Ivory Coast boasts a talented squad but has struggled to meet the expected standards. With losses in their last two games, it seems unlikely that they will pose a significant challenge to Senegal in the upcoming match.

Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Ivory Coast

Telecast for Senegal vs Ivory Coast

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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