Preview: Malawi vs. Senegal - prediction, team news, lineups

Separated by just one point in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations, Malawi and Senegal lock horns at the Kouekong Stadium on Tuesday.

A win for either side in Bafoussam would take them through to the last 16, while a share of the spoils could see both teams progress into the knockout stages.

Match preview

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Senegal were denied all three points in their second fixture versus Guinea on Friday as the sides played out a drab 0-0 stalemate.

Once again, Aliou Cisse's men put on an unconvincing performance similar to their opening fixture against Zimbabwe, where they needed a last-gasp penalty from Sadio Mane to come away with all three points.

However, the Lions of Teranga sit top of the pile in Group B with four points from their two matches and have all but secured a place in the next round.

Their next task sees them go up against an opposing side who have lost each of the previous two meetings between the teams.

Unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, Senegal will back themselves to continue their supremacy in this fixture and cap off their group-stage campaign on a high.

Malawi got the better of Zimbabwe in a narrow 2-1 triumph on Friday to kickstart their AFCON following an opening-day defeat to Guinea.

Despite going behind to Ishmael Wadi's opener, the Flames hit back through two goals from Gabadinho Mhango to claim all three points.

As a result, Meke Mwase's men have given their chances of qualification into the next round a huge boost and will be keen to finish the job on Tuesday.

Having recently ended a five-game losing streak, the East Africans will head into their next outing with a spring in their step.

Team News

Nampalys Mendy was named on the bench last time out after missing the opening game due to COVID-19 and the midfielder could be handed a starting spot in this one.

Alfred Gomis has also been cleared to feature once again but we expect Seny Dieng to retain his place between the sticks.

Off the back of a two-goal haul in his first outing in Cameroon, Gabadinho Mhango will be looking to come up trumps for his side once again.

Gomezgani Chirwa picked up a minor injury in the closing stages of Malawi's last outing but the 25-year-old should be fit enough to take part on Tuesday.

Malawi possible starting lineup:
Kakhobwe; Chembezi, Mzava, Chirwa; Madinga, Idana, Banda, Sanudi; Mhango, Muyaba, Mbulu

Senegal possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Ciss, Diallo, Cisse, Mbaye; Kouyate, Mendy, Sarr; Balde, Dia, Mane

We say: Malawi 0-1 Senegal

Senegal have been far from impressive of late but still possess a lot of quality players at their disposal and we are tipping them to emerge victorious come the sound of the final whistle in this one.

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