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