AFCON 2021 PREVIEW: Malawi vs Senegal
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
After two games in this African Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage, Malawi look set to qualify as one of the higher-ranked third-placed sides.
Malawi
The Flames can all but guarantee qualification with a clean sheet against pre-tournament favourites, Senegal, and doing so would almost certainly see them progress to the AFCON knockout stage at only the nation’s third attempt.
Style of play
Coach Nwase will set up as he did in his side’s first two group games by loading the midfield with bodies.
A 3-4-1-2 formation comprising of Ernest Kakhobwe, Dennis Chembezi, Limbikani Mzava, Gomezgani Chirwa, Francisco Madinga, Chimwemwe Idana, John Banda, Micium Mhone, Yamikani Chester, and Khuda Muyaba expected to start the game for the Flames.
Form
Shutting out Senegal is all the more important when considering that Malawi were the joint-lowest scoring side to qualify for the tournament across their qualifiers (0.67 scored per match on average).
As a consequence of their shyness in the final third, five of Malawi’s last seven wins overall have ended with a tension-inducing 1-0 score-line.
Players to watch
Malawi has relied heavily on Gabadinho Mhango in this tournament, with the Orlando Pirates star scoring both of their group stage goals so far.
Senegal
Senegal are FIFA top-ranked CAF nation, they find themselves yet to score a goal from open play in this AFCON edition.
Style of play
Senegal are expected to dominate most of their games in the AFCON couped with the return of Chelsea FC goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy who returned after his recovery from COVID-19.
Mendy (who on Monday won the 2021 FIFA The Best Goalkeeper of the year award) will have a crucial role to play in helping them remain compact.
On the other end of the pitch, Sadio Mané will be expected to lead the line once again. The 29-year-old contributed to 50% of Senegal’s goals in the 2019 AFCON, scoring three goals and providing an assist.
Form
The Teranga Lions started the tournament with a depleted squad but can have no excuses for failing to score against Guinea last time out.
Despite the poor showing, Aliou Cisse’s men still boast ten wins across their last 13 games (two draws and a defeat), even though they failed to keep a clean sheet in a majority of those matches (54%).
The sole defeat during Senegal’s recent solid run was on penalties to South Africa, so many will expect Senegal to prove a tough nut to crack once again.
Players to watch
Senegal’s Bouna Sarr still seeks his first goal, but only two players can boast a higher average than his 4.0 shots per AFCON game to date.
Head to head
Senegal has won the last two matches between both sides.
A 2-3 win in an international friendly on June 9, 2007, was followed by a 2-2 victory during the 2021 COSAFA Cup.
Verdict:
A slim win for Senegal
Malawi 0-1 Senegal
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