The 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations favorites Senegal have failed to impress again during their 0-0 draw with Guinea in Bafoussam on Friday.
It was an underwhelming start to the Africa Cup of Nations for the Lions of Teranga after yet another disappointing display from them.
The Aliou Cisse coached charges were in the ascendancy for much of the second half after a poor opening period at Bafoussam’s Kouekong Stadium.
But they couldn’t find a way through as they missed the chance to all but seal their spot in the last 16 alongside hosts Cameroon.
The two West African rivals share top spot in Group B with four points after winning their respective opening games on Monday.
With the top two in each group, plus the four best third-placed finishers to advance, four points is expected to be enough for a place in the last 16.
But Senegal have done little to live up to their tag as the team to beat at the tournament as they feel the impact of 10 absentees who have COVID-19 infections.
It should be noted that Senegal only squeezed past Zimbabwe in their opener on Monday courtesy of Mane’s 97th-minute penalty.
Morgan Guilavogui had the best chance for Naby Keita’s side, seeing his close-range effort kept out by QPR keeper Seny Dieng – when the forward should have made the net bulge.
PSG defender Abdou Diallo arguably had the best chance of the game for Senegal as he nodded at goal from close range – only to see his header pushed away by Guinea keeper Aly Keita.
The game ran out of momentum as it went on, with both sides eventually settling for a point that means they are both one step closer to qualifying for the knockout round.
How they lined up:
Senegal XI : Seny Timothy Dieng (Gk), Saliou Ciss, Pape Abou Cisse, Cheikhou Kouyate, Boulaye Dia, Sadio Mane, Bouna Junior Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye, Abdou Lakhad Diallo, Mamadou Loum Ndiaye, Mame Baba Thiam
Guinea XI: Ali Keita (Gk), Issiaga Sylla, Ibrahima Sory Conte, Saidou Sou, Amadou Diawara, Ibrahima Cisse, Naby Keita, Morgan Guilavogoi, Mohamed Bayo, Mohamed Camara, Moriba Kourouma
About The Author
