Senegal vs DR Congo Predictions - Senegal backed for victory in Africa Cup of Nations clash

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Senegal has a strong recent form with dominant wins.
DR Congo secured close victory over Benin but faces Senegal's tactical rigor.
Key players from both teams are returning from minor injuries.

Senegal have won 5 of their last 6 games against DR Congo (Getty)

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Senegal vs DR Congo Predictions

Senegal are comfortable favourites heading into this game despite both winning their openers. I am leaning on Senegal who did look in fine form last week.

Senegal vs DR Congo Predictions
Head to Head
Senegal Form
Senegal News
Senegal Predicted Line Up
DR Congo Form
DR Congo News
DR Congo Predicted Line Up

Senegal have won to nil in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Senegal have won by 3+ goals in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Senegal have won 5 of their last 6 matches against DR Congo.
DR Congo have won to nil in 5 of their last 6 matches.

Head to Head

Senegal have had the better of this fixture, winning six of their eight matches against DR Congo. There was one draw and one DR Congo win.

Senegal Form

Senegal qualified for the World Cup in style, going unbeaten in 10 matches. They scored 22 goals and conceded only three to highlight their strength in defence.

The Lions of Teranga played two friendlies to prepare for AFCON, starting with a 2-0 defeat to Brazil. They thrashed Kenya 8-0 in Turkey, Sadio Mane hitting a hat-trick and Nicolas Jackson finding the net twice.

Pape Thiaw’s side brought that form to Morocco where they opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Botswana. Jackson scored twice before Cherif Ndiaye wrapped it up late on, ending the contest with 28-4 shots and 3.67-0.17 xG.

Senegal News

The manager was pleased with the victory but is already looking forward to the next game, saying: "The victory against Botswana was a statement, but our tournament really begins with the clash against the Leopards."

Senegal Predicted Line Up

Senegal (4-2-3-1) Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara; Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane; Nicolas Jackson

Habib Diarra is battling a groin injury and Ismaila Sarr has an ankle problem but expected to start.

Pape Thiaw addressed Sarr's condition, saying: "We are managing the load for players like Ismaila Sarr to ensure we have our full creative force ready for a physical battle."

DR Congo Form

DR Congo had a solid World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing second in group B to reach the second round. Chancel Mbemba scored in added time to secure a 1-0 semi-final victory against Cameroon.

The Leopards outplayed Nigeria in the final but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. The crucial clash went to penalties where they prevailed in the shootout to qualify for the inter-confederation play-offs.

Sebastien Desabre’s side didn’t have it all their own way in their opening game at AFCON. Theo Bongond scored early which was enough to secure a 1-0 win against Benin, ending with 48% possession and 11-12 shots.

DR Congo News

Desabre admitted the quality his side will face in their next match, saying: "Senegal are arguably the best team in Africa right now.

"Our win against Benin gives us confidence, but facing the Lions requires a different level of tactical discipline. We want to prove that our recent growth is not a fluke."

DR Congo Predicted Line Up

DR Congo (4-3-3) Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Ngal Ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki; Theo Bongonda, Cedric Bakambu, Nathanael Mbuku

Nathanael Mbuku suffered a minor knock against Benin but should be ready to start.

Verdict

Senegal v DR Congo

Senegal were assertive in their opening match at AFCON and DR Congo were unconvincing against Benin. The Lions of Teranga should have enough quality to win again in Tangier.