AFCON 2023: Cameroon Vs. Senegal game preview
By Ngome Michael
The AFCON 2023 second round of matches have taken center stage in Côte D’Ivoire with some scintillating fixtures, including Group C classic between Senegal and Cameroon poised for 5 pm CAT at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
It is Certainly a crowd pulling ecounter after it was sold-out in terms of ticketing, weeks before opening day. Title defenders and five time winners, reads a clash between Africa’s heavyweights.
Cameroon got-off to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Guinea depite dominating play with a man advantage for over 45minutes. The Syli National set course for a famous win after Mohamed Bayo netted inside the first 10 minutes.
François Kamono’s yellow booking turned red following a VAR review forced Kaba Diawara into becoming more resolute defensively.
Frank Magri however paired perfectly with Nkoudou’s cross to level scores but the Lions who looked likely winners, never did. Coach Rigobert Song’s philosophy came under criticism for not being creative and lacked quality in the few chances created.
On the contrary, the Tranga Lions made light work of a similar ten-man Gambia, edging 3-0 with relative ease. Super star, Sadio Mané set Lamine who delivered the opener within 5 minutes of kickoff before young lad, added another in the second half.
At 24-years-old, Lamine Camara became the youngest player to net a brace at the AFCON since the year 2000.
Aliou Cisse’s win over The Gambia seemed to shade Senegal’s hidden qualities showcased in that opening game. Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, along with Moussa Niakhate, were exceptional in the heart of Senegal’s defence and prevented their opponents to just two shots on target.
A statement win for a Senegalese side looking to break the title defense jinx with another win and become only the fourth defending champion to retain hopes beyond group stage.
Cisse’s team after round-1 is very much in check but for the absence of Cheikou Kouyate who received clearance to leave the squad after the death of his father. Asides that, the West Africans can boost of ready-made resevior comprising of Nicolas Jackson, ILiman Ndiaye, Ismaila Saar and Boulaye Dia.
There is hardly a case for Cameroon’s Rigobert Song and the Indomitable Lions facing several injuriy crises.
Stade Rennais defender, Christopher Wooh walked out against Guinea in the 75th minute following a knee injury and is unsure for the Senegal showdown.
He adds to lead striker, Vincent Aboubarkar announced unfit in the first game due to injury sustained in training. Aboubakar may hopefully return to provide a more intense attacking threat in the latter stages.
Away from the uncertainties, one thing which is sure for team Cameroon is the return of Andre Onana between the sticks, whose return was – delayed by his club.
Cameroon form (all competitions):
L L W D D D.
Senegal form (all competitions):
L W W D W W.
