The Teranga Lions of Senegal ended a 61-year wait for an international trophy, when they defeated Egypt on penalties in the 2021 AFCON final to claim their first-ever triumph in the tournament’s history. For the first time ever, Senegal, led by captain and Talisman Sadio Mane head into AFCON as favourites, under the most pressure to defend their crown, and BetKing, Nigeria’s #1 online sports betting platform will provide the best betting offers, bet predictions and best odds to help you win big while betting on your favourite African nations. **Senegal - AFCON heartbreak and eventual triumph** Senegal have been a consistent and formidable presence in African football history, producing legends like Henri Camara, Papa Bouba Diop, El Hadji Diouf and Sadio Mane, among others. The Teranga Lions made everyone sit up and take notice with their giant-killing displays at the 2002 World Cup where they defeated defending champions France. Surprisingly, they had never won an international trophy until Mane scored the desicive penalty shootout kick in the final against Egypt (Senegal won 4-2 on pens). This historic achievement represents the culmination of decades of investment and endless effort. They came close in 2019, losing 1-0 to Algeria in the final but were determined to bounce back. After the heartbreak of 2019, the country kept faith with Aliou Cisse, the captain of that famous 2002 World Cup squad. The plan was to build on that excellent run to the final in 2019 and capitalise on the excellent core of players at the nation’s disposal, to make another run at the title. Guiding the team through the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon, the coach, alongside superstars like Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Eduard Mendy, faced a tough group stage run. After a 97th minute Mane penalty helped Cisse’s men get past a stubborn Zimbabwe side in their opening group game, they stumbled to successive goalless draws against Guinea and Malawi to advance with 5 points. Despite their less than convincing start, their true prowess emerged in the knockout stages. Led by the enigmatic Mane, they zoomed past Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, and Burkina Faso, scoring a total of 8 goals to secure a spot in the final against Egypt. After a tense 120 minutes, the Lions ultimately triumphed in a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout, marking a historic moment for Senegal. Mane finished the competition with 3 goals and seemed like a man on a mission — to deliver a trophy for his country after several outstanding seasons at club level. Other players like Ismaila Sarr, ex-Chelsea stars Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy performed at the highest level to lift Senegal to the peak of African football. Surprisingly, Koulibaly and Mendy saw a steep decline in their club fortunes within a year of their sensational achievements with Senegal. Koulibaly, one of Europe’s finest defenders at the end of the 2022 season, struggled in his sole Premier League campaign after joining Chelsea in a £33m deal from Napoli. Mendy also saw his stock fall rapidly, going from 49 appearances in 2021-22 to just 12 apperances in a season blighted by injuries and inconsistencies. In the end, both stars were sold to moneybags Al Hilal and Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Despite their fall from grace, the two players form the bedrock of Senegal's defence and will be key for the Teranga Lions in Cote d’Ivoire. **Group Stage Analysis** Senegal have been drawn in Group C alongside Cameroon, Guinea and The Gambia — arguably one of the tournament’s trickiest groups. One of the best betting tips available is Senegal to finish top of the group but you must exercise some caution as the other teams in the group are no pushovers.
Cameroon will certainty be formidable opponents as the Indomitable Lions boast elite-level quality across the pitch. Bryan Mbuemo has become Brentford’s talisman in the absence of Ivan Toney, with 7 goals and 3 assists this season. Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa was a key part of Napoli’s Scudetto winning side last season and despite a rocky start to life at Manchester United, Andre Onana is still one of the continent’s best goalkeepers. BetKing has the best odds for Cameroon to stun Senegal and finish top of Group C.
Guinea may lack the required pedigree but they still have players that can hurt Senegal, with ex-Liverpool man Naby Keita pulling the strings in midfield and Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy. Guirassy in particular, is having the season of his life. The 27-year-old has scored an outrageous 18 goals in 15 games across all competitions and will be aiming to replicate that fine form for his country. BetKing has offered the best odds for Guinea to qualify from this group, which could represent value for money.
The Gambia is considered the underdog in this group, ranked 126th in FIFA's world rankings. Assan Ceesay, the team's top scorer, plays a key role, having almost twice as many goals as any other Gambian player. He is currently with Damac in the Saudi Pro League, and will be aiming to get one over fellow Pro League star Koulibaly. Enjoy BetKing’s betting offers and high odds by backing Gambia to qualify from Group C.
**Predicted Starting XI** **Goalkeeper: Edouard Mend** **Defence: Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhite, Ismail Jakobs** **Midfield: Krepin Diatta, Pepe Matar Sarr, Gana Gueye, Fode Ballo** **Attack: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye** Aliou Cisse has favoured an attacking 3-4-3 in recent months and we expect him to stick to the same system with Sadio Mane once again the team’s star man. One thing to look out for is the emergence of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson (8 goals in 20 games this season) and how he might fit into the line up. He was used as a substitute in Senegal’s last two games against South Sudan and Togo, with Marseille’s Ndiaye preferred as the central striker. However, he could be vital for stretching defences due to his ability to run the channels and carry defenders with him. While his ability to run in behind may not be entirely crucial in a competition where teams generally play a low block, his relentless pressing could become vital as the tournament continues. **Verdict:** Senegal are favourites to retain the AFCON trophy, and rightly so, as they have a star-studded squad filled with championship pedigree. Anything short of a run to the final will be seen as disappointment. At the last AFCON, they also showed their ability to grind out results as well as attack expansively, conceding just 2 goals and keeping 5 clean sheets. There is an abundance of talent and they will take some stopping. Morocco will use the 2022 morale boosting World Cup run as wind in their sails, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria have an attack, led by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen that can rival the world’s best. However, away from those two teams, it is hard to see anyone that can truly stop the Teranga Lions. Still, they must perform to the absolute best of their abilities to avoid letting go of their crown, in Cote d’Ivoire. Take advantage of our professional betting tips by backing the Teranga Lions to retain the AFCON trophy.
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