Key events
Tom Saintfiet, the 50-year-old Belgian in charge of the Gambia, has one hell of a managerial career path.
Here we go then. The players are emerging on to the pitches at both venues for the conclusion of Group C. The Gambia v Cameroon is being staged in Bouaké, Ivory Coast’s second-largest city. Guinea v Senegal is taking place in Yamoussoukro, which FYI is the fourth-largest settlement in the country, according to my sources.
Bob O’Hara has emailed in regarding Ivory Coast’s hopes of progress: “Am I right that if the Gambia v Cameroon is a draw, the hosts qualify for the second round?”
I believe you are right, Bob.
Senegal defeated Cameroon 3-1 last time out, with Sadio Mané’s goal clinching the three points:
Aguibou Camara’s solitary goal earned a 1-0 win for Guinea against the Gambia on the same day.
If photographs of football shirts hanging in changing rooms are your thing, then Caf’s Twitter has got you covered:
Guinea v Senegal teams
Guinea: Kone, Antoine Conte, Mohamed Camara, Sow, Issiaga Sylla, Toure, Diawara, Aguibou Camara, Naby Keita, Facinet Conte, Guirassy. Substitutes: Moriba, Bayo, Diakite, Karim Cisse, Seydouba Cisse, Moussa Camara, Konate, Sekou Sylla, Kante, Aly Keita, Diakhaby, Guilavogui.
Senegal: Edouard Mendy, Diatta, Seck, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Pape Sarr, Pape Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Ismaila Sarr, Habibou Diallo, Mane. Substitutes: Ahmadou Dieng, Gomis, Formose Mendy, Idrissa Gueye, Jackson, Kouyate, Ciss, Ballo-Toure, Iliman-Cheikh Ndiaye, Diaw, Camara, Niakhate Ndiaye.
The Gambia v Cameroon teams
Cameroon’s André Onana of Manchester United is notably dropped to the bench for this pivotal Group C encounter against the Gambia. Fabrice Ondoa is preferred in goal, with three other changes: Toko Ekambi, Ntcham and Yongwa coming in.
The Gambia: Gaye, Muhammed Sanneh, Gomez, Omar Colley, Mendy, Jallow, Manneh, Bobb, Minteh, Barrow, Sowe. Substitutes: Jobe, Barry, Ngum, Fadera, Ceesay, Sanyang, Touray, Janko, Ebrima Colley, Badamosi, Darboe, Bubacarr Sanneh.
Cameroon: Ondoa, Castelletto, Wooh, Tolo, Tchato, Ntcham, Zambo, Yongwa, Toko Ekambi, Magri, Nkoudou. Substitutes: Moukoudi, Ngamaleu, Kemen, Ateba, Tchamadeu, Gonzalez, Epassy, Neyou, Moumbagna, Elliott, Onana, Mputu.
Some Afcon-themed Liverpool news here, regarding Mohamed Salah’s departure from the tournament, courtesy of Andy Hunter:
Preamble
Africa Cup of Nations, Group C: what’s the vibe?
It’s simple in the sense that Senegal are already into the knockouts with two wins from two. Should Senegal avoid defeat today they will top the group. However, Guinea would nab top spot with a win, sitting as they do in second place with four points after an opening draw followed by a victory … a draw for Guinea would mean they are through, no matter what happens in the other match.
On which note, neither the Gambia nor Cameroon have given up hope of progress, in view of the fact that the four best third-placed teams will also earn a place in the round of 16.
It’s all up for grabs. Kick-off in both matches is at 5pm UK time.