Seeking to make it two wins and extend their lead at the top of Group L, Senegal squares off with Rwanda at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers on Tuesday with kickoff at 10 pm.
Rwanda, who last appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, was denied a dream start to their qualifying games for 2023 on Wednesday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique at the FNB Stadium. Blaise Nishimwe put the Amuvabi ahead in the 65th minute, but Stanley Ratifo netted two minutes later to force the share of the spoils.
Rwanda has now failed to win any of their last eight games across all competitions, losing six and claiming one draw since a 5-0 victory over Central African Republic in a friendly fixture back in June 2021. However, Carlos Alos’s side is unbeaten in their last five AFCON qualifying games — picking up four draws and one win — stretching back to a 1-0 defeat against Cameroon in 2019.
Senegal cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Benin in Friday’s group opener. Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick, and Sessi D’Almeida received his marching orders. The Lions of Teranga played out a 1-1 aggregate draw with Egypt before seeing off the Pharaohs on penalties to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup.
Rwanda vs Senegal Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with hosts winless while visitors with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Mozambique 1-1 Rwanda
- Rwanda 0-2 Guinea
- Kenya 2-1 Rwanda
- Rwanda 0-3 Mali
Away
- Senegal 3-1 Benin
- Senegal 1-0 Egypt
- Egypt 1-0 Senegal
- Senegal 0-0 Egypt
Rwanda Team News
Midfielder Eric Nishimwe scored for Rwanda against Uganda last Thursday and should retain his place in the team for Saturday’s game against Mozambique. Jean Bosco Ruboneka could come in for 35-year-old forward Meddie Kagere, who struggled to make his mark against Mozambique last time out.
Senegal Team News
Meanwhile, after a dominant display in Friday’s group opener against Benin, Cisse could name a similar side on Tuesday. We could see a centre-back pairing of Abdou Diallo and Kalidou Koulibaly. Pape Sarr, Nampalys Mendy and Pape Gueye will start in midfield.
Prediction and Odds
The Lions of Teranga are packed with world-class talent down the team’s spine, and we expect them to see off the floundering hosts comfortably.
- Senegal Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Mane to Score
