The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship defense for defending champion Senegal will begin on Monday in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium versus Gambia.
The Teranga Lions have won their previous four games and are presently on an undefeated streak. Additionally, they are doing fairly well in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Gambians have suffered defeats in their past two World Cup qualifying matches, one against Burundi and the other against 2023 AFCON hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Seny Dieng, Senegal’s backup goalkeeper, and Boulaye Dia are not allowed to play in the competition.
Premier League standout Sadio Mane will remain a vital player up front, and former Chelsea stars Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly will be crucial members of the defense.
Players were so out of oxygen that the Gambia team had to make an emergency landing on their aircraft to Yamoussoukro. A day later, according to Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet, his players were still experiencing headaches and nausea.
Senegal has defeated Gambia 13 times, however the two teams have never squared off at the Cup of Nations. The Gambia has failed to defeat Senegal, with ten of their meetings ending in draws.
