Senegal vs DR Congo Prediction: Teranga lions hungry for points

To say everything will go smoothly for Senegal in this match would be an over estimation. DR Congo are a quality team with stars all around and they proved this in the previous instalment of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Where they finished fourth overall and cemented their place amongst Africa's best footballing nations. They face a big test against Senegal who themselves have been in great form since wining the Coveted CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2022. expect a mouth watering Encounter. 

Here are a few markets to consider adding to your bet slip...

Team News

Multiple media outlets have reported Sadio Mane's late withdrawal from the Senegal Squad for both World Cup Qualifiers due to an alleged Knee injury. He was last in Action against Al-Hilal in the King's Cup final, where he played 59 minutes of the match before being subbed off. Nicolas Jackson, Ismailia Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye will be expected to fill the gap left by Saido Mane's absence. Regulars Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to feature in this game against the DRC.

Axel Tuanzebe formerly of Manchester United is expected to make his international debut for DR Congo on Thursday evening. He won't be the only player expected to make his international debut for the Leopards. Noah Sadiki, Samuel Essence and Timothy Fayulu could also make their international debuts for the Leopards. Players who are expected to miss this international clash include Cedic Bakambu and Silas Katompa Mvumpa. DR Congo has a few stars they will be hoping could rise to the occasion, they include Joanne Wissa of Brentford FC, Gael Kakuta, Theo Bongonda and Meschak Elia and Arthur Masuaku.

Match Odds

Win probability leans in favour of Senegal at 66% and the odds on them winning this match are at 21/50 with a draw at 3/1 and a win for DR Congo 55/39. Total goals over 2.5 is at 63/50 which is probably going to happen with the from both these teams are in.

3 Way - Senegal 9/20

Senegal are a team on fire, the 2022 CAF Africa Cup of Nations winners have recorded one single loss in their last ten matches. This loss came in the previous instalment of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations when they were facing hosts Côte d'Ivoire. Their CAF Africa Cup of Nations title defence ran smoothly until that point. They managed to defeat Gambia, Senegal and Guinea. Post that tournament they have played two friendlies, both of which ended in a win for the Tarenga Lions. They will approach this match confident in their ability to collect all three points.

DR Congo, were one of the surprise packages of the last Africa Cup of Nations. Although they have had a strong history in the tournament. They weren't expected to go as far as they did. especially when you consider that they scrapped through the group stages with three draws, including an impressive display against Morocco that ended in a one all draw. They came alive in the knock out phases, kicking Egypt out on penalties, Guinea would also fall at the hands of DR Congo before the hosts Côte d'Ivoire got the best of them in the Semi Finals. That slender lead was enough to relegate DR Congo to the 3rd place play offs where they face South Africa and lost that match on Penalties.

This match won't be easy for either side.