Online Reporter
WITH Senegal hoping to bag their second Africa Cup of Nations crown, the Lions of Teranga will now turn their attention to Mali in the quarter-finals at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier this evening.
Kick-off is at 6pm.
The Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament following a 3-2 penalties victory over Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V last Saturday. While the game ended at 1-1 in regulation time, penalties were needed to separate the two nations following 120 minutes of football in Casablanca. However, crucial misses by Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave Mali the opportunity to book their spot in the final eight. The Lions of Teranga had it much easier in their respective Round of 16 obligation when they bagged a 3-1 win over Sudan at Stade de Tanger this past Saturday.
Sudan took an early lead by Aamir Yunis in the sixth minute of the match, which injected a sense of urgency by Senegal as Pape Gueye (2) and Ibrahim Mbaye scored the winning goals for their nation. Speaking after Senegal’s Round of 16 victory, experienced star Sadio Mane believes that approaching each game as it comes will be crucial in their bid to win the show-piece for the second time. “In Africa, there are national teams that are candidates to win the title, and I believe we are among them, but with my experience I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament,” Mane uttered.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mali: Yves Bissouma — Central to everything Mali does in the middle of the park, Bissouma will once again be under the spotlight against Senegal today evening. The powerful midfielder will be tasked with providing balance in both attacking and defensive transitions.
Senegal: Pape Gueye — After netting a brace against Sudan in the Round of 16, Gueye will face Mali beaming with confidence. The marauding midfielder showcased his knack of getting in the final third at the right moments, while he is equally sound in defensive quarters. — AFP Sport.
