Group B leaders Senegal are aiming to keep their World Cup qualification campaign on track when they take on D.R. Congo at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Thursday, 6 June.
Senegal will be looking for another win after the 1-0 International Friendlies victory against Benin.
The only name on the scoresheet from Senegal was Sadio Mané (59′).
Their latest results reveal that quality has been evident in the Senegal rearguard. Senegal have kept it tight, seeing the total number of goals that have gone in at their end over the course of their past 6 outings standing at 2.
In their previous game, DR Congo drew 0-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations tie with South Africa.
In that game, DR Congo managed 44% possession and 13 shots on goal with 3 on target. For their opponents, South Africa got 6 attempts at goal with 3 of them on target. The game was won 5-6 by South Africa on penalties.
A run of effective performances from the DR Congo defence has resulted in their ‘goals against’ tally amounting to 4 from their previous 6 fixtures combined. In that period, the number of goals that they have scored themselves is 5. Despite that, time will tell if such a trend shall be maintained here in this game.
Prediction
We feel that in this game, DR Congo have it within them to put one past this Senegal outfit, however it isn’t expected to be as many as the goals that they could concede.
We are anticipating a very close game with a 2-1 advantage for Senegal by the time that the referee blows the final whistle. Looking forward to seeing how this one unfolds.
Team News
Several outlets have reported Sadio Mane’s late withdrawal from the Senegal squad for both World Cup qualifying games, with the federation citing a knee injury.
That could mean increased responsibility for forwards like Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, Marseille pair Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye and Saudi-based Habib Diallo.
Regulars like Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to be involved.
Former Manchester United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe could make his DRC debut on Thursday, with Desabre expected to play the 26-year-old from the off. Noah Sadiki, Samuel Essende and Timothy Fayulu could also make their first appearance for the Leopards.
While Cedric Bakambu and Silas Katompa Mvumpa are missing June’s international games, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa aims to rise to the occasion as he is wont to do, allied with possible match-winners like Gael Kakuta, Theo Bongonda and Meschak Elia, while Arthur Masuaku’s menace from full-back needs no introduction.
Senegal possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Sangante, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diallo; Camara, Gueye, P. Sarr; Ndiaye, Diallo, I. Sarr
Congo DR possible starting lineup:
Bertaud; Kalulu, Mnemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Elia, Kakuta, Bongonda; Wissa