Senegal vs Zimbabwe Predictions & Tips - Teranga Lions set for second straight win

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: 12 Jul 2021

Tolu Shotade 12 Jul 2021

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Senegal vs Zimbabwe Prediction, Previews, Tips & Team News
The COSAFA Cup Group B match is being played at 11.00 BST on Tuesday
Senegal have won three of their last four matches
I am backing Senegal to win in Port Elizabeth

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Senegal and Zimbabwe clash on Tuesday (Getty Images)

Senegal vs Zimbabwe Preview

Senegal can build on their first win in the COSAFA Cup when they face Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth. Zimbabwe are still winless in the competition and should struggle against the West Africans, who are my best bet to claim the victory.

Senegal are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches
Senegal have won three of their last four matches
Senegal have kept clean sheets in their last two matches against Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have lost their last two matches against Senegal
Zimbabwe are winless in nine of their last 10 matches

Head to Head

There have been just two previous matches between Senegal and Zimbabwe with the West Africans winning both. They have also never conceded a goal against the Zimbabweans.

Senegal Form

Senegal successfully bounced back from the defeat to Namibia in their opening fixture with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique. They were the better side throughout the contest and could have won by more but in the end had to settle for Pape Djitte’s second half effort.

The Teranga Lions are one of the teams expected to reach the latter stages of the competition and manager Joseph Koto will be pleased to have the first win under his belt.

Even more pleasing will be the team’s performance, particularly in defence as they ensured Mozambique had no attempt on target.

The result means they have now won three of their last four matches while also keeping two clean sheets in their last three fixtures.

Senegal Squad & Team News

Goalkeepers: Khassim Diop, Pape Seydou N’diaye

Defenders: Falilou Fall, Alfred Gomis, Mouhamed Ndiaye, Pape Ndoye, Woula Sane

Midfielders: Makhmouth Diallo, El Hadji Kane, Dominique Mendy, Abdou Seydi

Attackers: Mohamed Ba, Albert Diene, Souabou Gningue, Seringue Gueye, Alioune Mbaye, Abdoul Ndoye, Baba Sow, Abou Diop, Pape Djitte

There are no injuries or suspensions in the Senegal squad and they are likely to retain the same starting XI that beat Mozambique. Pape Djitte is expected to start in attack alongside Albert Diene, who got their consolation goal in the defeat to Namibia.

El Hadji Kane is also likely to keep his natural place in midfield after starting in defence in the opening fixture. Alfred Gomis and Mouhamed Ndiaye are also set to feature in the back four.

Zimbabwe Form

Zimbabwe are still seeking their first win in this year’s COSAFA Cup after playing out two draws and a defeat in three matches. They head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of a 2-0 defeat against Namibia in their last fixture.

The Warriors began their campaign with back to back draws against Malawi and Mozambique. They were held 0-0 by Malawi before battling to a 2-2 draw against Mozambique.

Zimbabwe’s poor form stretches to long before the COSAFA Cup as they have claimed just one win in their last 10 matches. They have been beaten four times in 2021 already, including a 1-0 defeat to Mali and a 2-0 loss to Zambia.

One of the major problems for the Zimbabweans is a lack of cutting edge in attack where they have failed to score in four of their last six matches.

Zimbabwe Squad & Team News

Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Nelson Chadya, Martin Mapisa.

Defenders: MacClive Phiri, Kelvin Moyo, Carlos Mavhurume, Andrew Mbeba, Lennox Muchero, Godknows Murwira, Qadr Amini, Malvin Mkolo, Jimmy Dzingai.

Midfielders: Blessing Sarupinda, Perfect Chikwende, Tatenda Tavengwa, Shadreck Nyahwa, Brian Banda, King Nadolo, Nyasha Dube, Jonah Fabisch, Ovidy Karuru, Richard Hachiro.

Strikers: Farau Matare, Knox Mutizwa, and Evans Rusike.

Mozambique have a fully fit squad for Tuesday’s clash.

Farau Matare is still without a goal in the tournament but the manager is likely to keep faith with the striker. He is likely to get support from Ovidy Karuru, who has also failed to impress while Blesaing Sarupinda should retain his place in midfield.

Verdict

Zimbabwe are having a poor tournament with their forward players particularly disappointing. They should be no match for Senegal, who are expected to kick on having claimed their first win in the competition.

Best Bet: Senegal to win

Value Bet: Senegal -1 handicap

Correct Score Tip: Senegal to win 2-0

Odds will be uploaded shortly