Senegal take on DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Saturday.
The Teranga Lions produced a dominant display to claim a 3-0 win over Botswana last time out. DR Congo defeated Benin 1-0.
Match preview
Senegal are one of the favourites for this competition and laid down a marker against Botswana.
Pape Thiaw’s side created a record nine big chances, while limiting the opposition to none and also registered 17 shots on target.
Captain Sadio Mane was lively, registering six shots on target, but Nicolas Jackson was named man-of-the-match after scoring a brace.
By contrast, DR Congo struggled against Benin, but did enough to secure a victory. The Leopards created more chances and defended thoroughly throughout the clash.
Spartak Moscow winger Theo Bongonda scored the decisive goal. He will be one of the players to watch out for in this fixture.
Head-to-head
Senegal have won six and drawn two of their previous ten meetings with DR Congo.
Team news
Senegal have no injury concerns and will welcome back West Ham United full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from suspension. DR Congo have a fully-fit squad.
Predicted line-ups
Senegal (4-2-3-1): Edouard Mendy, Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs, Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson.
DR Congo (4-1-4-1): Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutossamy, Theo Bongonda, Edo Kayembe, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku, Cedric Bakambu.
Prediction
This fixture is expected to be highly competitive, with the victor likely to emerge as the Group D winners. We predict a 2-1 victory for Senegal.
Stats from 11v11.com & sofascore.com.
