Senegal-Gambia : Teranga Lions Begin Title Defense

The first match of Senegal’s title defense will be against their neighbours Gambia today Monday January 15, 2024 at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro. The Group C game begins at 3 p.m. (Cameroon time).
On paper, Senegal that won the 2021 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are favourites. As per the December FIFA Ranking, Senegal is second on the continent and 20th in the world. This will be their 17th appearance at the AFCON and will be aiming to win back-to-back AFCON tournaments. Their star-man and two-time African Footballer of the Year, Sadio Mané will definitely hope to start the tournament on a positive note. The team, it should be said, is still under the auspices of Coach Aliou Cisse. The gaffer helped Senegal clinch the title in Cameroon; achieving what narrowly eluded him as a player.  
This is Gambia’s second appearance at the AFCON. They reached the quarter-finals on their debut in the 2021 edition, eventually losing 2-0 to Cameroon. This will be the first encounter between Senegal and Gambia at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Despite reaching the quarter finals in AFCON 2021, Gambia never scored more than one goal in their five matches. All three of their victories were by a 1-0 score line. Gambia is 126th on the FIFA world ranking and are hoping to conti...