Kaba Diawara’s Guinea is set to clash with Aliou Cissé’s Senegal in the decisive third and final day of Group C at the ongoing African Cup of Nations. Despite holding the top spot in the group with two victories, Cissé’s protégés must tread carefully as they aim to secure leadership with at least a draw against a formidable Guinean side.
The defending champions find themselves in a comfortable position, needing only a draw to cement their status as leaders of Group C.
However, the encounter with Guinea, currently positioned second with 4 points, is anticipated to be a challenging one.
Guinea, under the helm of Kaba Diawara, has proven to be a resilient opponent for Senegal since Cissé assumed coaching responsibilities in 2015.
In their previous encounter during the second day of AFCON 2021, the two teams played to a goalless draw, a match eventually won by Senegal.
Notably, during that period, star players Sadio Mané and Naby Keïta represented Liverpool. Fast forward to the present, the landscape has shifted, with Mané now with Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) and Guinea’s captain plying his trade with Werder Bremen (Germany).
Serhou Guirassy, the current leading goal scorer in the major African championships with 19 goals for Stuttgart, is expected to play a crucial role for Guinea.
Despite his absence in the previous matches due to injury, Guirassy, according to the Guinean coach, is fit and ready to face Sadio Mané’s Senegal in this pivotal encounter.
As Senegal aims for a flawless record in the group stage, the clash against Guinea becomes a significant test for Cissé’s squad.
The dynamic has changed since their last meeting, and both teams will be vying for a strong finish in Group C to bolster their chances in the knockout stages of the tournament.
