If Morocco, host country and semi-finalist of the last World Cup, advances as the huge favorite for the African Cup of Nations, Senegal is not far behind. Winners of the competition in 2022, still led by Sadio Mané, the Lions of Teranga launch their first round this Tuesday against Botswana, to whom it drops 119 places in the FIFA rankings (19th against 138th).
Exited in the eighth of the last edition, on penalties against Ivory Coast, when it seemed armed for a double, Senegal is thirsty for revenge. Coach Pape Thiaw will be able to rely on an experienced squad, with Édouard Mendy in the cages, a Kalidou Koulibaly-Moussa Niakhaté hinge, Gana Gueye in the middle. Impressive, for a team which annihilated Kenya in preparation (8-0).
The Senegal-Botswana match kicks off at 4 p.m. this Tuesday, December 23. The meeting will be followed live on television on beIN Sports 1 and live with commentary on our website leparisien.fr.
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