Thursday, December 5, 2024

Senegal chase second victory in Group L

Senegal will chase a second successive victory in Group L of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when they host Rwanda at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium in Dakar on the evening of Tuesday 7 June.
Kick-off is at 9pm CAT.This match was supposed to be a home fixture for Rwanda, but the teams agreed to swap around their hosting duties and allow for the Huye Stadium to undergo renovations.

The East Africans made a solid start to their group stage campaign by holding Mozambique 1-1 in Johannesburg, South Africa, last Thursday.

The Amavubi looked on course for an upset away win when a superb strike from Blaise Nishimwe put them ahead midway through the second half, but the Mambas hit back through Stanley Ratifo to see the game end all square.

ā€œIn general I am very happy with the commitment of the players. I canā€™t complain. Itā€™s just that we had our situation when the game came to us in 1-0,ā€ said Rwanda coach Carlos Alos Ferrer.

ā€œWe were concentrated all the game, but after we scored the goal we conceded in two minutes. One more detail we concede a goal and finally draw, but in general I can only say good things for my players.

ā€œI want to win always. I am a winner. I try but, at least itā€™s not a bad result. Itā€™s the first game we are playing away and we also know the level of Mozambique; they have good individual players. Itā€™s okay at this point. Letā€™s keep fighting.ā€

Senegal, meanwhile, got off to a flying start when they defeated Benin 3-1 at the very same Diamniadio Olympic Stadium on Saturday night. Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick of goals ā€“ bookended by penalties ā€“ to ensure the Teranga Lions began the defence of their title in a fashion befitting continental champions.

Following Maneā€™s heroics for Senegal against Benin, coach Aliou Cisse has added his voice to those calling for the Liverpool player to win the Ballon dā€™Or.

ā€œOf course we think about it [the player winning the award]. I believe that Sadio gave a lot, we must not minimise everything he did in Liverpool for seven years, what he did in the Senegal national team,ā€ said Cisse.

ā€œAt some point, I want to know what place an African champion really takes on the choices [for the Ballon d’Or].He won the AFCON, he went to the Champions League final… I hope it weighs [in his favour].

In head-to-head stats, Rwanda and Senegal have met in just one previous match: a friendly international in May 2016 in Kigali which the Teranga Lions won 2-0.

The other Matchday 2 fixture in Group L will see Benin host Mozambique in Cotonou on Wednesday 8 June.

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