After scraping into the knockout phase, Ivory Coast have been handed a last-16 showdown against Senegal – the only team with a perfect record at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament hosts will take on the defending champions at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Monday evening.
Happy 😃 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/LhTdBnkN9p— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) January 25, 2024
Happy 😃 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/LhTdBnkN9p
Although the statistics point towards a Senegal triumph, Ivory Coast have the home advantage on their side. Read on to discover what Forebet’s algorithm predicts for this clash.
Senegal kicked off their AFCON campaign with a 3-0 victory over Gambia, with Lamine Camara bagging a second-half brace in the opener.
Following a 3-1 win against Cameroon in the second match, the Lions of Teranga maintained their 100% record with a 2-0 triumph over Guinea.
Not only have Senegal netted eight goals in three clashes so far (2.7 goals per game), but they have also conceded a solitary goal in the process.
Having avoided defeat in each of their last 13 matches across all competitions, the reigning AFCON champs will be hopeful of defending their crown.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast kick-started their home tournament with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau. But that remains their only win so far.
Following defeats to Nigeria (1-0) and Equatorial Guinea (4-0), the Elephants finished third in Group A, narrowly avoiding elimination.
Despite racking up 69% possession and 22 shots last time out, Ivory Coast were put to the sword by Equatorial Guinea, highlighting their weaknesses.
Still, the hosts enjoyed a seven-game unbeaten run of five wins and two draws prior to their recent defeats, so they will back themselves to turn things around.
Head-to-head: Ivory Coast have failed to win any of their last three meetings with Senegal, recording two 1-1 draws before losing 1-0 last year.
In terms of the overall H2H stats, however, the Elephants have won 14 of the 25 previous encounters, suffering eight defeats along the way.
Team news: Ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane will continue in attack for Senegal, alongside notable names like Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibably and Pape Sarr.
As for Ivory Coast, their key players include Nicolas Pepe, Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier and Simon Adingra.
Given what happened during the group stage, Senegal look set to extend their 100% record and eliminate the host nation from the tournament.
Forebet predicts that Senegal will book their place in the AFCON quarter-finals with a clean-sheet victory over Ivory Coast.