Senegal wins an intense match against Cameroon in preparation for CAN 2024
During a hotly contested friendly match on Monday October 16, Senegal won a deserved victory against Cameroon (1-0), thanks to a penalty converted by Sadio Mané. This match could well be a taste of what the meeting between these two teams has in store during CAN 2024.
The match between Senegal and Cameroon, scheduled for January 19 in Yamoussoukro, promises to be thrilling if we refer to this Monday’s confrontation in Lens. In terms of intensity, rhythm and combativeness (with 4 yellow cards distributed), this duel between the Lions kept all its promises. The reigning African champions clearly dominated this first round and their victory cannot be disputed.
The presence of Kalidou Koulibaly was decisive for Senegal. The defender and captain of the Lions, who now plays in Saudi Arabia, held the house against Cameroonian attackers Vincent Aboubakar and Carl Toko-Ekambi. Despite a hand fault in the area not called by the referee, Koulibaly reassured with his solidity and showed that he was still in top form. Aliou Cissé’s three-man defense has also been solid and offers interesting options for the coach in terms of tactical schemes against different teams. The performances of Krépin Diatta and Ismaïl Jakobs as full-backs were also promising.
On the other hand, on the Cameroonian side, alarms are being raised. The team failed to score a single shot and only André Onana’s performance can be considered positive. Sadio Mané, despite his victorious penalty, failed to carry his team in an explosive manner. Cameroon will absolutely have to correct these shortcomings before the start of CAN 2024 in three months.
This victory gives reasons for optimism to the reigning African champion as CAN 2024 approaches. However, offensive ineffectiveness, as evidenced by the failures of Ismaïla Sarr and Dia, will need to be corrected to continue on their way.
In conclusion, this match between Senegal and Cameroon was fascinating to follow and allowed us to glimpse the potential of these two teams for the next CAN. The meeting on January 19 promises to be a real shock between teams committed and determined to achieve victory. We will have to watch these two teams closely, as they have clearly shown that they are ready to give their all on the pitch.