The defending champions, Senegal, are set to begin their quest for a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title as they face The Gambia in group C showdown on Monday at 05.00 PM EAT at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
This matchup marks the kickoff of the highly anticipated Group C, dubbed the “Group of Death,” which also features Cameroon and Guinea.
Coach Aliou Cisse leads a star-studded Senegal squad, including the likes of Sadio Mane, and expectations are high for another title triumph.
Notably, no African champion has progressed beyond the round of 16 in the last six editions of the competition. Senegal has a favorable history of winning their opening game in each of the last four editions.
Facing Senegal in their opener is The Gambia, considered one of the underdogs in the competition, making only their second appearance. However, The Gambia surprised many by reaching the quarter-finals in their inaugural participation in 2021. Tom Saintfiet, coach of The Gambia, expressed confidence and readiness for the competition upon their arrival in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We are delighted to arrive in Côte d’Ivoire for the second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations. We are well prepared for the competition, and we are ready for the start of the competition. We expect the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Côte d’Ivoire to be special and good, especially with the presence of The Gambia in Group C alongside Senegal, Guinea, and Cameroon,” said Saintfiet in an interview with CAFOnline.
