Defending champions Senegal start their campaign for title defense opener against the Gambia

Senegal start their title defense on Monday 15 January against The Gambia. The Scorpions and The Lions of Teranga officially open what has been viewed as the Group of death in a Group C also including Guinea and Cameroon.

There is notable fact no African defending champion has move ahead than the round of 16 in the last 6 edition of the tournament. Senegal have won their last 4 edition opening matches.

Senegal meet The Gambia who are making their 2nd appearance of the contest. Gambia is the country that reached the quarter finals in their inaugural tournament.

Coach Aliou Cisse would be very happy second continuous title and mega star team as one of the tournament favourites with star player like of Sadia Mane in their camp.

The Gambia coach, Tom Saintfiet expressed they were aiming to do best in their 2nd appearance and were well prepared for the tournament.

Start at Yamoussoukro Charles Konan Banny Stadium is at 14h local time.

Aliou Cisse’s eleven are aiming to join Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana as the countries to retain the Cup of Nations title in the 66 year history of the competition.

” The best 24 teams in Africa are the competition along with the 24 best coaches. There is pressure on every on everyone. But that the right kind of pressure. It is the pressure that motivates you and makes you win” .

This is my 4th cup of Nation as coach and I have gained in experience. We know defending champion there is more pressure on us there is a lot of favourites for the title apart from the Senegal.

Senegal beaten finalists in 2019 gaining their first title following a penalty shoot out win over Egypt in Cameroon in 2022.

Senegal

The Lions of Teranga enter AFCON ready to defend their title in Ivory Cost. Defending an AFCON is not simple job.Lamin Camara, Mory Diaw, Formose Mendy, Ismail Jackobs, Pape Gueye, Ismaila Sarr are super star of the senegal team.

Cameroon

Les Lions Indomptables having won title five times in the past of AFCON competition. Mega star are Frank Magri, Christoper Wooh, Darlin Yongwa, Enzo Tchato.

Guinea

The Syli National have a mix of high talent and inconsistency as they enter the AFCON cup. Player from Europe background and local academy system provide a good mixture of talent. Star players are Ibrahim Daikite,Mohammed Bayo, Issiaga Sylla.

Gambia

The scorpions reached the quarterfinals in 2021 AFCON. Ablie Jallow is mega star player in the team.