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

Benin face an uphill task against Senegal in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade de l'Amitie on Saturday.

Gernot Rohr's team have four points with two games remaining in qualifying, while the Lions of Teranga are assured of participation in the finals.

Match preview

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Benin were handed a lifeline in qualifying after the CAF Disciplinary Board ruled that Rwanda fielded an ineligible player in March's qualifier with Rohr's team.

The Cheetahs claimed Kevin Muhire was suspended for the clash after picking up multiple yellow cards, but the midfielder played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw three months ago.

However, a 3-0 forfeit win has been handed to Benin, meaning they sit joint-second with Mozambique entering into the penultimate rounds of qualifying.

Rohr was appointed in February with the brief to guide the West Africans to next year's continental showpiece, an outcome that appears likely after the Disciplinary Board sanctioned Rwanda.

A positive result against the African champions puts them in a promising position, especially with a clash against Mozambique in the final round.

Standing in their way are Aliou Cisse's troops, already assured of a place in the competition after picking up four wins from four.

Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly headline the African champions' selection for the game against the Cheetahs, while Ismaila Sarr and Chelsea-linked Nicolas Jackson are part of the group.

However, there is no place for AFCON hero Edouard Mendy, owing to the goalkeeper's underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge.

With a friendly game against Brazil on June 20, Senegal may prioritise that fixture over Saturday's meeting with Benin, which would be music to Rohr's ears.

Nevertheless, any side sent out by Cisse will be competitive, thus discarding any anticipation of a laid-back encounter in Benin.

Team News

Brest striker Steve Mounie is unlikely to start on Saturday, with Rohr preferring Tosin Aiyegun in his opening games in charge against Rwanda.

Jodel Dossou was a menace against the Rwandans in March, and the wide attacker could threaten with his pace and aggressive ball-carrying.

As for Senegal, Cisse should start Strasbourg centre-forward Habib Diallo up top as Boulaye Dia is not in the squad for this month's games.

Sarr could also start wide after returning to the squad, although much will depend on how much the Lions of Teranga rotate with next week's clash with Brazil on the horizon.

With Mendy absent in goal, Alfred Gomis is anticipated to play from the start.

Benin possible starting lineup:

Allagbe; Sankamao, Hountondji, Adenon, Tijani; Dodo, Ahlvini, Olaitan; Assougba, Aiyegun, Dossou

Senegal possible starting lineup:

Gomis; Sabaly, Seck, Koulibaly, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye; Sarr, Diallo, Mane

We say: Benin 1-2 Senegal

Even if Senegal rotate their team, the quality and talent at Cisse's disposal mean any side sent out retains that competitiveness — and that should see to a low-scoring victory in Benin.

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