Kenya’s Harambee Stars take on Senegal’s Lions of Teranga at the 30th June Stadium, new Cairo tonight, knowing that their destiny is still in their own hands.
After their 3-2 win over Tanzania Taifa Stars in the Cecafa derby, the Kenyans have put themselves in frame for last 16.
The winner of the contest will advance with the loser facing an anxious wait to see if they can progress as one of the best third-placed teams. A draw would put Senegal through by virtue of better goal difference.
Neither side have been particularly impressive so far, and while Senegal boast the superior squad on paper, Kenya can sneak a draw from this game although they will have to put in a good performance and control the game better than when they played Tanzania despite their victory.
Kenya are currently second in the race for the four places of the third ranked teams as of Saturday.
Kenya’s French coach Sébastien Migné will again turn to striker Michael Olunga who scored a brace against Tanzania last Thursday.
The tall striker also hopes they will give a good account against Senegal tonight. “I hope we can show the fight against Senegal,” he said.
Mane yet to come to the party
The Lions of Teranga continue to be an enigma with scrappy performances in both their matches. Their performance against Algeria has added more pressure to local coach Aliou Cissé.
Big stars like Mo Salah and Mahmoud ‘Trézéguet’ Hassan of hosts Egypt, Riyad Mahrez captain of Algeria, Denis Onyango – the Cranes skipper, and Hakim Ziyech of Morocco all have shown their class, Sadio Mane struggled to impress on his return from suspension.
Note: If teams finish on equal points at the end of the group stage, head-to-head matches will decide.
South Africa, Kenya, Benin and Angola currently the best third ranked team as of Saturday.
Kenya vs Senegal key Stats
*Senegal have won two and drawn the other match with Kenya in Afcon.
*Senegal have scored over 2 goals in two of their three meetings against Kenya (Afcon).
*Senegal’s Sadio Mane has scored 14 goals in his last 19 appearances for club and country (all competitions).
*Senegal have kept clean sheets in 6 of their last 8 matches (all competitions).
