Syli National look to end Lions of Teranga's fairytale run

Guinea will go head to head with Senegal in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group C match at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA,GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

The Syli National (National Elephants) are placed second in the Group C standings having secured a 1-0 win over Gambia on 19 January as they boosted their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.

The victory over the Scorpions extended Guinea's unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions having recorded two wins and one draw.

Meanwhile, Senegal strengthened their grip at the top of the Group C standings when they claimed a 3-1 victory over Cameroon on 19 January which saw the defending champions book their spot in the Round of 16.

The Lions of Teranga are now undefeated in their last six matches across all competitions having registered five victories and one draw.

TEAM NEWS

Guinea are set to welcome back Francois Kamano from suspension and it is unclear whether Serhou Guirassy, who missed the first two Group C games due to injury, will feature against Senegal.

Senegal, on the other hand, will be without Abdou Diallo who is suspended after collecting two yellow cards in the first two Group C matches, but coach Aliou Cisse is expected to rest some of his key players.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Guinea head coach Kaba Diawara:

"Facing Senegal will be the group's biggest game and we're aiming to beat the champions, not just play them," Diawara said.

"With four points already, we're targeting the top spot and trying to qualify in first place from the group."

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse:

“I congratulate the players because they delivered a great match [against Cameroon], they respected my instructions, all the advice that I gave them," Cisse said.

“The match against Guinea in the group stage is also important, we need to stay focused, we have had two matches in the competition so far, and there are five games left to reach our goal."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aguibou Camara, Guinea: The midfielder-cum-winger scored the goal that earned the National Elephants a win over Gambia and he will be eager to propel his side to another victory.

Lamine Camara, Senegal: The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is Senegal's top scorer in the ongoing tournament with two goals and he will be hoping to add to his tally when he faces Guinea.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The two teams have met 59 times. Senegal have won 28 matches compared to Guinea's 16 wins, while 15 matches ended in a draw.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Guinea in a 2022 Chan qualifier played in Mali in September 2022.