Senegal vs Botswana Prediction & Betting Tips (23 December)

Senegal is seeking a second continental crown, two years after leaving in the round of 16. The current period is favorable to performance for the Lions of Teranga, winners of 5 of their last 6 matches in all competitions. They logically qualified for a third World Cup in a row and prepared for the CAN with friendly matches played last month. If they were no match for Brazil 2-0, Pape Thiaw's players took out their nerves against Kenya three days later 8-0. Second in its qualifying group behind Egypt, Botswana is the surprise guest and the little thumb of this African Cup of Nations.

The 138th selection in the FIFA rankings, which is preparing to compete in the competition for the second time, will however have to wait before entering a World Cup final phase. She finished in penultimate position in her qualifying group dominated by Algeria. The Zebras, however, regained momentum in October against Guinea 3-0 to end a series of 3 defeats. This is their last match to date. 

The Senegal team no longer needs to be presented with Sadio Mané (50 goals in 117 caps) at the forefront. The Al-Nassr player distinguished himself during the qualifiers by scoring 3 goals and finished as Senegalese top scorer in World Cup qualifying with 5 goals. Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich, 5 goals in 26 seasons) and Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace, 18 goals in 75 seasons) who has just recovered from an injury also make up the offensive sector. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli, 50 caps), the defensive rock Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal, 98 sel) and the former Parisian midfielder Idrissa Gueye (121 sel) are the other captains of this high quality squad. Also note the presence of several Ligue 1 players such as Sarr (Strasbourg, 1 sel), Niakhaté (Lyon, 22 caps), Habib Diallo (Metz, 36 caps, 8 goals) or the Monegasques Diatta (49 sel) and Camara (24 sel).

Left back El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham, 12 selection) will be suspended for this first match when replacements Assane Diao (winger, Como) and Ilay Camara (back, Anderlecht) had to withdraw from the competition in recent days after being injured. The Botswana squad is full of players unknown to the general public, the vast majority of whom play in the modest national championship. Captain Ditlhokwe (defender) is part of the team with midfielder Mohutsiwa, Orebonye (1 goal in qualifying) and striker Seakanyeng playing at MAS de Fez (Moroccan D1), author of 2 goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign. However, coach Morena Ramoreboli did not retain Mangolo (left back) nor winger Setsile (winger) who played 5 of the last 6 matches with the selection.