2021 AFCON Qualifiers: Senegal vs. Guinea-Bissau dates announced

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2021 AFCON Qualifiers: Senegal vs. Guinea-Bissau dates announced

The qualifying campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is set to resume in March, with several crucial fixtures scheduled across the continent. Among the standout contenders, Senegal enters this phase of the competition with strong momentum and high expectations. Widely regarded as one of the favorites to lift the continental trophy, the Lions of Teranga have already made an impressive start in Group I and will now look to maintain their dominance as the qualifiers continue.

Senegal opened their campaign in convincing fashion, recording two victories in their first two matches. They began with a solid performance against Congo before following it up with another success against Eswatini. Those back-to-back wins placed them at the top of their group and reinforced their status as serious contenders for the title. With maximum points collected so far, confidence within the squad remains high as they prepare for their next challenge.

The upcoming fixtures will see Senegal face Guinea-Bissau in a decisive double confrontation. These matches represent the third and fourth rounds of the qualification process and could prove pivotal in determining the group standings. The Confederation of African Football has officially confirmed the schedule, allowing all participating national teams to finalize their preparations for the March international window.

The first encounter between the two sides will take place on March 28 in Thiès. Playing on home soil will offer Senegal a significant advantage, as they are expected to receive strong backing from their supporters. Star forward Sadio Mané and his teammates will aim to deliver a commanding performance in front of their fans. The team has consistently shown its ability to rise to the occasion in important matches, and this home fixture presents an ideal opportunity to tighten their grip on the group.

Three days later, on March 31, the return leg will be staged in Bissau. Coached by Aliou Cissé, Senegal will travel with the objective of completing the job away from home. While away fixtures can often present unique challenges, the Lions have demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline under Cissé’s leadership. Their ambition will be to replicate their earlier performances and secure another positive result on foreign soil.

This two-legged clash carries considerable importance. Should Senegal manage to win both matches, qualification for the tournament in Cameroon would be mathematically secured. Such an outcome would not only confirm their place at the finals but also allow the technical staff to approach the remaining fixtures with greater flexibility. Early qualification would provide the opportunity to rotate players, test new tactical options, and further strengthen squad cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

As the qualifiers resume, anticipation continues to build among supporters and observers alike. Senegal’s blend of experience, talent, and tactical organization makes them one of the most formidable teams in African football. The upcoming encounters with Guinea-Bissau will therefore serve as a significant step in their journey toward the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Lions eager to confirm their status and move one step closer to continental glory.