AFCON: Defending champions Senegal have big hopes
Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Senegal are the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions having defeated Egypt in a penalty shootout during the final of the previous tournament. It was the first time they had won the competition having lost in the final of the 2019 edition two years prior. They are looking to defend their crown and with stars such as Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mane they have a strong chance of regaining the trophy.
Their opening match was a regulation 3-0 victory over Gambia. Pape Gueye opened the scoring in just the fourth minute before Ebou Adams’ red card on the stroke of half time flung the momentum firmly Senegal’s way. Lamine Camara netted a second half brace and sent the Lions of Teranga to the top of Group C.
Senegal will qualify for the knockout rounds should they triumph this evening but standing in their way are Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions have won Afcon five times, second only to Egypt’s six, and finished third in the last tournament. They came from behind to draw against Guinea in their opener fixture but were unable to make dominant possession count.
Follow all the action below plus get the latest Afcon odds and tips right here:
Senegal vs Cameroon LIVE
Show latest update
GOAL! Senegal 2-1 Cameroon (Castelletto, 83’)⚽️
83 mins: Is the comeback on?
Cameroon’s first shot on target results in a goal. Substitute Olivier Ntcham whips a cross in from the right wing and picks out Jean-Charles Castelletto.
He attacks the ball, wins the header and powers it into the back of the net!
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:44
Senegal 2-0 Cameroon
79 mins: Pure frustration for Neyou who takes his anger out on his opponents and earns himself a yellow card. That’s also his last act of the game as he is replaced by Ntcham.
The changes, however, feel like they have come too late for Cameroon.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:39
Senegal 2-0 Cameroon
74 mins: Time is running out for Cameroon. The next cooling break comes and goes but things have gone from bad to worse for the Indomitable Lions.
They need to limit the damage and try to get through the group as one of the best third placed teams.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:34
GOAL! Senegal 2-0 Cameroon (Habib Diallo, 71’)⚽️
71 mins: That should be the game now!
Senegal keep the pressure on Cameroon with Krepin Diatta getting forward and bringing the ball into the box. He offloads it to the right for Ismaila Sarr who feeds a first time pass into the six-yard box.
Cameroon’s defenders are two high which allows Habib Diallo to get in behind and turn the ball into the back of the net.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:32
Senegal 1-0 Cameroon
69 mins: Lamine Camara strides forward with the ball and slots it out wide to Sadio Mane. He cuts into the box and scoot around a couple of defenders before slipping a pass to Ismaila Sarr.
He decides not to shoot and holds up play waiting for more men to arrive.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:30
Senegal 1-0 Cameroon
66 mins: Abdou Diallo floats a long free kick into the box and almost picks out Habib Diallo. Cameroon defend the aerial ball well then break forward on the counter attack.
There’s not a great deal of intent and Senegal get back quickly to cover their own box.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:27
Senegal 1-0 Cameroon
63 mins: Mendy comes out to win the ball but misses it from the set piece. Cameroon fail to capitalise and Senegal get the ball clear.
The last five minutes or so have been good for them. They need to continue to push though if they want to score.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:24
Senegal 1-0 Cameroon
60 mins: Magri plays the ball out wide as Cameroon look to step things up. Ngamaleu wins a corner and swings it in before winning a repeat for the Indomitable Lions.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:22
Senegal 1-0 Cameroon
57 mins: Abdou Diallo collects a yellow card for running away with the ball. Moumi Ngamaleu reacts and pushes him in the back but it’s the Senegalese man who picks up a card.
He’s going to miss the next match due to that now as well.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:18
Senegal 1-0 Cameroon
A free kick inside Senegal’s area gives Cameroon the chance to get a shot off at goal. The ball is lifted into the penalty area where Olivier Kemen leaps and whips a headed effort just wide of the nearest post.
Mike Jones19 January 2024 18:14