The expected duel between Senegal and Cameroon during an intense friendly match has delivered its verdict. The Lions of Teranga managed to win with a score of 1-0 thanks to a penalty converted by Sadio Mané. This victory could have a psychological impact during their future clash at CAN 2024.
The meeting between these two great African teams was of a good level, with intensity, a sustained pace and a certain aggressiveness on the pitch, as evidenced by the 4 yellow cards distributed. The Senegalese, reigning African champions, dominated the debates and deserved their victory.
One of the highlights of this meeting was the solid performance of Kalidou Koulibaly. The defender and captain of the Lions was imperial against the Cameroonian attacks, stifling Vincent Aboubakar and Carl Toko-Ekambi. His presence in Saudi Arabia does not seem to have affected his physical condition, and he has shown that he is one of the pillars of the Senegalese defense.
The three-way defense put in place by Aliou Cissé was also solid, offering guarantees for the future and the possibility of changing systems depending on the opponents. The performances of pistons Krépin Diatta and Ismaïl Jakobs, who already play this role at a club in Monaco, were particularly convincing.
On the Cameroonian side, things are more worrying. The team did not manage to score a single shot during the meeting, and only the presence of André Onana, the goalkeeper, was a satisfaction for the Indomitable Lions. We will have to find solutions to improve offensive efficiency before CAN 2024.
Despite a good performance, Senegal must however correct its lack of efficiency in front of goal. A failed one-on-one from Ismaïla Sarr and a shot on the crossbar from Dia late in the match show that there is still work to do in this area.
Three months before the start of CAN 2024, the reigning African champion can be reassured by this convincing performance. However, he still has time to refine his game and prepare as best as possible to face Gambia in their first match. The road to the continental double will not be easy, but the Teranga Lions are up to the challenge.