Senegal - Cameroon predictions and free betting tips [19/01/2024]

Today in the Africa Cup of Nations Group C, two favourites will clash - the teams of Senegal and Cameroon.

Senegal National Team

The reigning African champions, the Senegalese national team, confidently began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, defeating Gambia 3:0. Gueye opened the scoring in the 4th minute, receiving a pass from Sadio Mane, then Kamara doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute after a pass from Sarr, who also scored his second goal in the 86th minute after a pass from Ndiaye. After Gambia's player Adams was sent off in the 45th minute, Senegal increased their advantage, although they already looked quite convincing. Senegal had 69% ball possession, 14 shots, 6 of which were on target.Coach Aliou Cisse's team has a strong line-up with main star Mane in attack. Currently, all leading players, including veterans Koulibaly and Diallo, as well as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Mane himself, are playing in Saudi Arabia. Nampalys Mendy and Idrissa Gueye still dominate in the midfield. In attack, besides Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who has Gambian roots, stand out.

Senegal’s recent results before the Africa Cup of Nations include a 1:1 draw with Zambia on 9 January 2024 and two 2026 World Cup qualifiers: a 1:1 draw with Libya on 21 November 2023 and a 3:0 victory over Mauritius on 17 November 2023.

Cameroon National Team

The Cameroon national team, following tradition, had an unsuccessful start at the Africa Cup of Nations, drawing 1:1 with Guinea in the first round. Cameroon conceded the first goal from Baio in the 10th minute of the match and found themselves in numerical superiority after Kaman was sent off by the opponent in the 45th minute. The score was levelled in the 54th minute thanks to Magri, who was assisted by former Tottenham player N'Koudou. However, despite 70% ball possession and numerical advantage, the team could not create enough dangerous moments, making only 3 shots on target and not demonstrating a clear idea in attack.

The team under Rigobert Song did not call up goalkeeper Andre Onana from Manchester United for the 1st round, which surprised the player himself. Also, the team lost Brian Mbemo from the EPL due to injury. The squad includes midfield leader Zambo-Anguissa from Napoli and midfielders Ntcham, Kemen and Elliott. The scandal with Choupo-Moting and absence of Matip also affected the team. Much is expected from the team's attack, especially from Abubakar and Dynamo Moscow's Ngamaleu, as well as former Dynamo Moscow player Clinton N'Ji, but the attacking potential seemed lacking from them in the first round - with only N'Koudou providing a goal assist.

In recent matches before the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon showed mixed results: 1:1 draw with Zambia on 9 January 2024, 1:1 draw with Libya on 21 November 2023, and a 3:0 victory over Mauritius on 17 November 2023.

Head-to-Head 

In a recent friendly match on 10 October 2023, Senegal won 1:0 thanks to a penalty goal by Mane. Previously at the Africa Cup of Nations, the opponents met in 2017, a 1:1 draw.

Prediction for the Senegal - Cameroon match

The Senegalese national team, led by star player Sadio Mane, does indeed look more potent in the structure of their game compared to Cameroon. Considering Senegal's strong attacking potential and especially their solid defence, a bet on the nominal home field owners' victory seems quite justified.

Even if experienced goalkeeper Andre Onana, renowned for his ability for both brilliant saves and mistakes leading to conceded goals, appears in Cameroon's goal, Senegal's attack seems more varied and dangerous. Senegal's offensive capabilities, including the play of Mane, Sarr, and Jackson, in combination with their strong defence with Koulibaly, make them the favourites in this confrontation.