AFCON 2023: Teranga Lions sets to clash with Elephants in Group C battle of wits

Posted : 22 January 2024

The Group C clash between the defending champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, and the Elephants of Guinea at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro is not much of a fight that both teams needed to raise dust about as both sides have almost booked a place in the knockout stage of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

However, the Teranga Lions may go all out to ensure that they finish the group phase campaign on high after their last two victories over the Scorpions of Gambia and another against their fierce rival, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

However, the match could also be a divisive one that may determine the fate of other members of the group, such as the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Scorpions of Gambia. The National Elephants of Guinea only need a draw to secure the one point needed, which will give them an unassailable lead over the third-placed, four-time AFCON winners, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. The Teranga Lions, on the other hand, have already booked a place in the last 16; they must avoid defeat to finish at the top of the group.

The defending champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, had started their defence of the cup they won two years ago with a convincing dispatch of Gambia in the first match and then sealed it up with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Cameroon in their second group game.

The goals came from Ismaila Sarr's deflected shot, and Habib Diallo's sweeping finish put the reigning African champions in a comfortable position. However, Jean-Charles Castelletto's goal for the Indomitable Lions, with seven minutes of injury time remaining, put the Teranga Lions under immense pressure.

Just when it seemed Cameroon might snatch a point, Sadio Mane stepped up in the 95th minute to score his first goal of the tournament and seal the victory for Aliou Cisse's men, taking them to six points from two matches and securing their qualification for the round of 16.

With the top spot in the bag, the reigning Lions may want to maintain their unbeaten run in their final group game and avoid dropping into the second position. The Teranga Lions have so far claimed unbeaten in their last six matches, including friendlies, winning the last three, while they have also not lost in their last nine AFCON matches, dating back to the 2022 tournament.

The coach of Senegal, Cisse, who suffered a gastric infection and spent the night under observation in the hospital after the Cameroon game, will be hoping his side can deliver another strong performance to extend their unbeaten run. The Elephants of Guinea have no place to relax as it is not over until it is over, heading to their crucial match against the defending champions in the battle to go into the next phase.

After securing a 1-0 victory over Gambia, secured by Aguibou Camara's 69th-minute strike, the Kaba Diawara's side has put themselves in the driving seat having four points from two games, however their destiny remains in their legs as they aim kick the ball around when they face a more formidable opponent in Senegal.

With just a single point that may be elusive in mind the Guineans much up their game to seal a top-two spot and book their place in the knockout stages. However, defeat would leave them reliant on Cameroon dropping points against Gambia or a superior goal difference should both teams finish on four points.

On record, both Guinea and Senegal once shared the same group at the previous AFCON, playing out a goalless draw. The National Elephants will undoubtedly hope to replicate that result against the reigning champions. The match could predictably end in a stalemate good enough for both countries to pass the next round.

AFCON 2023: Teranga Lions sets to clash with Elephants in Group C battle of wits

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