Senegal vs Zimbabwe confirmed lineups as Mane, Cheikhou Kouyate, Idrissa Gueye start Afcon 2021
Senegal and Zimbabwe face off in Afcon 2021 Group B opener on Monday at Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium Kouekong.
Aliou Cissé has named the best possible starting XI against Zimbabwe after COVID-19 hitting camp of tournament favorites.
Eight players of Saliou Ciss, Bamba Dieng, Mame Baba Thiam, Pape Matar Sarr, Nampalys Mendy, Alfred Gomis, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly miss out on the opener due to positive COVID tests.
Alfred Gomis was among the first to test positive limiting Senegal’s goalkeeping options. The area was further hammered by Edouard Mendy’s positive test yesterday along with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
With Senegal’s two of the three Afcon goalkeepers testing positive, Queens Park Rangers shot-stopper Seny Dieng automatically starts in posts as big names Ballo-Toure of AC Milan, Crystal Palace ace Cheikhou Kouyate, PSG midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye and Liverpool forward Sadio Mane also start.
For Zimbabwe, Norman Mapiza names his starting XI without Bournemouth defender Jordan Zumera who arrived camp late due to COVID-19 traveling protocols.
Senegal XI (4-3-3): Seny Dieng, Ibrahima Mbaye, Pape Abou Cisse, Abdou Diallo, Fode Ballo-Toure, Cheikhou Kouyate, Bouna Sarr, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Boulaye Dia, Sadio Mane, Keita Balde.
Zimbabwe XI (3-5-2): Petros Mhari, Gerald Takwara, Teenage Hadebe, Onismor Bhasera, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Ishmael Wadi, Kelvin Madzongwe, Bruce Kangwa, Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube.
