The reigning champions of Senegal make their debut in the competition this Monday against the Scorpions of Gambia. Just hours before this first match of the AFCON 2023 in Group C, the selectors have unveiled their starting eleven.
As the top contender in the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Lions of Teranga will engage in their first battle this Monday with the objective of retaining the trophy won in 2022 by the evening of February 11th. Despite injuries leading to player withdrawals and uncertainties surrounding several Senegalese players, the match, which kicks off at 14:00 UTC, remains imbalanced on paper. Gambia, who managed to qualify for this AFCON 2023 to the surprise of all, remains the underdog in Group C.
Aware that this match is crucial for a potential qualification for the knockout stages of the competition, Aliou Cissé has fielded a team capable of scoring from the start. With star players like Sadio Mane, Habib Diallo, and Ismaïla Sarr in the frontline, Senegal’s offensive axis can rely on youthful energy, including Lamine Camara. In defense, Edouard Mendy, as always, guards the goal and will lead Kalidou Koulibaly and the other Niakhaté. Tom Saintfiet’s Gambia has a tough task ahead at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
Here are the official lineups for the Senegal – Gambia match:
Senegal’s Starting XI (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy – Moussa Niakhaté, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismail Jakobs, Krépin Diatta – Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye, Abdou Diallo – Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diallo, Sadio Mané.
Gambia’s Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Boubacarr Gaye – Ibou Touray, Omar Colley, James Gomez, Saidy Janko – Alasana Manneh, Ebou Adams – Ebrima Colley, Yankuba Mintey, Musa Barrow – Ali Sowe.
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