Senegal vs. Bostwana: Will the Zebras Park the Bus or Dare to Challenge the Teranga Lions?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Senegal: A nation with a proven tournament pedigree
Senegal are not a nation to be underestimated in this year's Africa Cup of Nations. The Lions of Terenga possess a proven tournament pedigree, making their 18th final appearance. Additionally, this is their sixth consecutive appearance after failing to progress beyond the group stages in 2015.
Out of those appearances, they were crowned African champions once in 2021, marking their first-ever major continental trophy in history. Senegal achieved that feat with former head coach Aliou Cisse, who was relieved of his duties late last year. He was in charge of the senior national team for nine and a half years.
After that success, they suffered a shocking exit in the 2023 edition. They topped Group C with an unblemished record but were eliminated by the host country and eventual champions Ivory Coast, on penalties in the Round of 16.
The manager's office now belongs to Pape Thia,w who knows what it takes to win, having reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with the senior national team in 2002. He was appointed in December 2024, and his appointment has been nothing but a breath of fresh air.
Check out Pape Thiaw's record as Senegal head coach:
- Matches managed: 10
- Wins: 7
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 1
The 44-year old recently led Senegal to their fourth World Cup finals in history after an impressive display in the African World Cup qualifying campaign. With a plethora of talent at his disposal, there's no denying he will fancy his chances of shining in Africa's major competition, which will be his first in charge.
Sadio Mane: Can the greatest lead his nation to glory?
There are questions surrounding whether this will be his last appearance on the continental stage. Whatever the answer may be, one can not deny that the 33-year-old has been one of the most influential players for Senegal.
Regarded as one of the greatest African players, he has been putting up impressive performances for his senior national team in the Africa Cup of Nations. He is the current team's leading top scorer with nine goals to his name from 22 appearances.
And now, the Al-Nassr FC left winger is tasked with guiding his side to just their second AFCON title. That shouldn't be a problem, considering he scored the winning penalty against Egypt in the 2023 final to gift his country a first major continental trophy.
Mane is currently in red-hot form for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. He has been directly involved in seven goal involvements in nine appearances, including one goal in the AFC Cup. That kind of form is what he hopes to replicate in this tournament.
Botswana: Is an upset possible?
Botswana are not one to boast that they have a tournament pedigree in the Africa Cup of Nations. They make a long-awaited return after a 13-year abscence and are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament—FIFA Ranking: 138.
The Zebras are making just their second appearance in the AFCON and, under the management of Morena Ramoreboli, are hoping to go all the way. However, they are expected to navigate a competitive group that includes the likes of Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin in Group D.
Bostwana have not had it easy against Senegal. This marks the third meeting between them and the Teranga Lions. They've yet to win a match, having lost their last two.
For a nation that has failed to win its last three opening matches in this competition (L3), it's without a doubt that they'll have a difficult time trying to register their first win.
