AFCON: Senegal vs Côte d'Ivoire Prediction

EXPECTED XI

Senegal

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): E. Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, A. Diallo, Jakobs; P. Sarr, Camara, P. Gueye; I. Sarr, H. Diallo, Mane

Côte d'Ivoire

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Y. Fofana; Aurier, Boly, Ndicka, Konan; Sangare, Kessie, S. Fofana; Bamba, Kouame, Pepe

PREDICTION

Leading up to this match, two of the biggest and standout names in African football are in markedly different positions. Senegal, managed by Aliou Cisse, enter as defending champions, having progressed flawlessly through the group stage with a 100% record. Their opponents, Côte d’Ivoire, recently parted ways with coach Jean-Louis Gasset and are currently negotiating potential short-term arrangements, with the likelihood of Herve Renard, a past champion with the Ivorians in 2015, taking charge. Despite the potential inclusion of Renard, Senegal remains the clear favoUrite against the host nation, which advanced to the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams and were aided by some fortune.