SEN vs BNI Dream11 Team : The first quarter final of the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place today as Senegal and Benin face off in the historic 30 June Stadium in Egypt.
Senegal have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their 4 games. The one occasion they let a goal past them ended in defeat, against Algeia. On the other hand, Benin haven’t seen this much quality in their games. Their qualification stemmed from an off target Hakim Ziyech penalty in the 96th minute that could’ve won the game for Morocco. Benin went on to win the game on penalties later.
Senegal are the clear favourites here, and have possibly the best squad on paper of any of the teams playing in the AFCON.
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper for SEN vs BNI Dream11
Alfred Gomis: Gomis was called upon by coach Aliou Cisse after trying Mendy in the first two games. The former did not disappoint and kept clean sheets in two consecutive games, including the Round of 16. He made 3 very crucial saves against Uganda in the previous match and was one of the highest rated players of the match.
Defenders for SEN vs BNI Dream11
Kalidou Koulibaly(VC): Arguably the best defender in the world, Koulibaly is an absolute beast on and off the ball. He’s often compared to a raging bull because he likes to drive through the opposition pressing lines with the ball and it’s very difficult to knock him off. The Napoli centre half has been one of the best defenders of the tournament, keeping 3 clean sheets. Koulibaly’s ability to head the ball powerfully and accurately makes him a threat from set pieces too.
Lamine Gassama: 29 year old Gassama was chosen to start over the young, talented Moussa Wague after two games in the tournament. He did not disappoint, giving 2 assists in Senegal’s 3-0 win over Kenya. Gassama was named the man of the match for this win, and started the next game, too.
Moise Adilehou: Adilehou starts in the middle of a back 5 for Benin, but has only started 2 games out of 4 in the bout. He scored the opening goal against Morocco in the previous game and is a very strong, athletic defender who’s likely to give a lot of tackling points.
Midfielders for SEN vs BNI Dream11
Sadio Mane(C): Champions Leagues winner Sadio Mane is one of the best players at the AFCON and his 3 goals in 3 starts are a testament to the same. The 27 year old is known for making cutting runs into the box between defenders and getting into position for scoring. He’s the ideal pick against a Benin defence that’s had positioning problems throughout the Championship. Being one of the best players in the world, Mane is my obvious Captain for the game.
Ismaila Sarr: Sarr has been a key player for Senegal in the past few games and has earned his starting spot over Keita Balde. He’s scored one goal in 3 starts, the opener vs Kenya. The Rennes winger is quick, intelligent and a very good shooter of the ball from distance.
Badou Ndiaye: Stoke City’s CM starts in as a screening midfielder for Senegal in a double pivot with Idrissa Gueye. The latter functions as a destroyer while Ndiaye acts as a DLP. However, in that position, the 28 year old has a lot of tackling to do, which gives him a lot of defensive points.
Stephane Sessegnon: Veteran holding midfielder Sessegnon is absolutely on top of his game for Benin. He functions as an anchor, breaking defence lines with passes and bursts of runs. He has an eye for goal from distance and has shown the same in his short term career in the Premier League.
Cebiou Soukou: Attacker Soukou plays on the right side of a midfield four for Benin and has been their best player in the tournament. He’s been their creative solution for the tournament and has created 8 goal scoring chances, out of which 2 have been converted. He’s Benin’s best hope in this difficult game they have their way.
Forwards for SEN vs BNI Dream11
Jodel Dossou: Dossou is my first choice in this game because of the lack of better options in the options. However, the 27 year old, who starts as a winger for Benin has been in good form. He’s played all games and given one assist. If given space on the flank, his accurate crossing can cause a lot of trouble for the defenders.
M’Baye Niang: Despite starting all games for Senegal in the tournament, Niang hasn’t really made a strong impact for them. He’s a very good finisher who can even bully off defenders when on the ball, but he’s not been given enough chances. He did, however, assist Sadio Mane’s winner against Uganda in the Round of 16.
