AFCON UPDATE: Senegal Face Off With Cameroon in Lions Showdown

The Teranga Lions of Senegal are set to face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in one of the biggest showdowns of the 2023 African Cup of Nations at Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Friday.

Lamine Camara was the star as Senegal got their title defence off to the perfect start, beating 10-man Gambia 3-0 on Monday.

The 20-year-old became the youngest player to score a brace at the AFCON since Ali Zitouni achieved the feat for Tunisia in 2000 at the age of 19 years and 32 days.

The result sent a clear message to other teams at the tournament, and another win against Cameroon, who got on the board with a 1-1 draw against dark horses Guinea, should send them through the last 16.

The draw against the Guineans must have flattered Rigobert Song’s men as the National Elephants were the better side by some distance in the first half and looked as though they were on their way to a famous victory after taking the lead early in the game.

Song also received some criticism for his tactical approach in the match, as his side commanded the lion’s share of possession but failed to create many clear-cut chances.

Senegal first XI

16. Edouard Mendy
15. Krepin Diatta
3. Kalidou Koulibaly
22. Abdou Diallo
14. Ismail Jakobs
25. Lamine Camara
17. Pape Matar Sarr
26. Pape Gueye
18. Ismaila Sarr
20.Habib Diallo
10. Sadio Mane
Cameroon first XI
11. Georges-Kevin N’Koudou
9. Frank Magri
3. Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu
8. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa
6. Olivier Kemen
17. Yvan Neyou
5. Nouhou Tolo
4. Christopher Wooh
21. Jean-Charles Castelletto
26. Enzo Tchato Mbiayi
24. André Onana
LIVE UPDATE
2′ Freekick for Cameroon.
3′ Misplaced pass by a Senegalese defender, and Cameroon lashed on it.
5′ Corner for Cameroon after a counter-attack from Onana’s pass.
6′ Senegal plays a progressive ball but was depleted by a Cameroon defender, and it’s a corner.
8′ Cameroon awarded a free kick in their own half.
9′ Ali Mahmood Ismail signals a free kick to Senegal.
11′ Corner awarded to Senegal.
11′ Senegal drive forward, but Sadio Mane is judged offside.
12′ Throw-in for Senegal at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
12′ The match has been stopped briefly for attention to the injured Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu.
16′ Goal! Ismaila Sarr gives Senegal a 1-0 lead with a deflected shot.
17′ The referee signals a Cameroon throw-in in Senegal’s half.
21′ Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr is whistled for offside at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
24′ Cameroon to take a throw-in in Senegal territory.
24′ Can Senegal get the ball into an attacking position from this throw-in in Cameroon’s half?
24′ Senegal to take a throw-in in Cameroon territory.
25′ Senegal awarded a throw-in in their own half.
28′ Cameroon have been awarded a corner by the referee.
29′ Ball safe as Cameroon is awarded a throw-in in their half.
30′ Cooling break.
31′ Ali Mahmood Mahmood Ismail signals a free kick to Senegal in their own half.
36′ Ali Mahmood Mahmood Ismail signals a Cameroon throw-in in Senegal’s half.
37′ Throw-in for Senegal in their own half.
38′ Senegal have a dangerous throw-in.
39′ Goal kick for Cameroon at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
41′ Can Senegal get the ball into an attacking position from this throw-in in Cameroon’s half?
42′ Free kick Cameroon.
42′ Cameroon awarded a free kick in their own half.
42′ Free kick Cameroon.
44′ Throw-in for Cameroon in their own half.
45′ Ali Mahmood Mahmood Ismail signals a free kick to Cameroon.
45+3′ Cameroon’s Olivier Kemen has been booked in Yamoussoukro.
45+3′ Free kick Senegal.
45+3′ Senegal to take a throw-in in Cameroon territory.
Ali Mahmood Mahmood Ismail blows to end the first-half.
Senegal leading Cameroon in possession. It is 54-46.
Adekunle Sulaimon
Adekunle, a fellow of Data and Solutions Journalism, has over four years experience with competences in data journalism and investigations.