After registering victories in their respective opening games, the Teranga Lions of Senegal and Guinea will lock horns in Group B Matchday two of the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.
The Western Africa Derby will be decisive, as the winner will pave way to the Round of 16 at Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam on Friday.
Both sides enter this game after securing identical 1-0 victories in their opening matches over Zimbabwe and Malawi respectively.
According to Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse, their main aim is to win every game at the tournament although their Friday opponent will give the hard time.
“When Senegal play Guinea its always an exciting match, a Derby to watch,” Cisse said.
“Our aim is to win every game, but we have to remember they are equally very strong side. I have always told our players we have no small teams in the competition.”
“I played against Guinea Coach Kaba Diawara 24 years ago and we know each other well. However, on the pitch things will be different as we both want to win,” he added.
The Teranga Lions will hope for another win to prove their tag as one of the tournament favorites.
Meanwhile, the win over Malawi was a huge morale boaster for Kaba Diawara’s side, and they know very well that another one over favorites Senegal would mean nothing but a place in the next round.
“We are excited to be playing against Senegal in a Derby. Senegal is a big team, and we don’t expect an easy game, but we know nothing is impossible.”
“We are determined to get three points, and I have urged the players to be vigilant as we want to avoid the mistakes we did against Malawi,” Diawara said.
Elsewhere in group B, it will be the battle of COSAFA when southern representatives Malawi and Zimbabwe lock horns as both sides are targeting maiden victory in this year’s tournament.
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