The Senegal National Team is anticipated to adopt a tactical shift with a 4-3-3 formation. Head Coach Aliou Cissé faces the challenge of reorganizing a portion of his defense and midfield, with Nicolas Jackson poised to make a notable start.
Senegal stands on the cusp of securing qualification for the Round of 16 in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Lions, under the guidance of Aliou Cissé, are set to clash with AFCON in their second group stage match on Friday at 5:00 p.m.
However, Cissé grapples with the absence of four key players. Moussa Niakhaté, who sustained an injury against Gambia, is unlikely to feature, joined by Youssouf Sabaly (calf), Abdallah Sima (adductors), and Cheikhou Kouyaté (bereaved).
Despite these setbacks, the central axis of the Lions is poised to feature the formidable duo of Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, shielded by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The formation is anticipated to revert to a 4-3-3, with Krépin Diatta and Ismail Jakobs occupying defensive flanks.
In midfield, Nampalys Mendy is expected to assume the sentinel role, flanked by the returning Pape Matar Sarr and Idrissa Gueye.
Building on their stellar performances against Gambia, Pape Gueye and Lamine Camara are likely to be reinstated in the midfield.
The attacking trio comprises Ismaïla Sarr on the right, Sadio Mané on the left, and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson as the focal point, stepping into the shoes of Habib Diallo.
The probable line-up against AFCON:
E. Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, A. Diallo, Jakobs – Camara, N. Mendy, P. Gueye – I. Sarr, Jackson, Mané
#CAN2023 🇸🇳🇨🇲 Sénégal vs Cameroun : Le Onze probable des Lions
D’accord ou pas ❓> https://t.co/oH84RQA1Ly#wiwsport #Senegal #Kebetu pic.twitter.com/LERtaVTC42
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) January 18, 2024
