Guinea vs Senegal Prediction: Satisfactory stalemate in Group C?

Top spot in Group C of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is up for grabs at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday evening (KO, 17:00), as Guinea battles it out with reigning champions Senegal.

It's been a solid if unspectacular start to the tournament from Guinea, who ground out a 1-1 draw with Cameroon before edging out Gambia 1-0.

The National Elephants only need a point to guarantee progression to the knockout stage, while a win would see them top the group and set up a Round of 16 tie against a third-placed team in Group A/B/F.

However, standing in their way are Senegal, who have established themselves as the team to beat so far. The Lions of Teranga started their defence of the trophy with a 3-0 win over Gambia before beating Cameroon 3-1, and look in rude health under head coach Aliou Cisse, who masterminded their success in 2022.

Team News

Guinea's two biggest stars - Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy - are still yet to start at the tournament, with the former making his first appearance as a late substitute last time out against Gambia and the latter remaining rooted to the bench.

Keita could earn some more minutes against Senegal but hasn't started a game for club or country since October 7, so the ex-Liverpool midfielder may be eased into the action once again.

The National Elephants can welcome Francois Kamano back into the fold, though, after the 27-year-old served a one-game ban for his red card in the opening game.

Senegal have sent Abdallah Sima back to Rangers following a thigh injury, but the 22-year-old shouldn't be a huge miss having failed to feature so far.

There are injury concerns over midfielder Lamine Camara - who scored a brace against Gambia - and Habib Diallo - who scored the second versus Cameroon - with both players taken off in Senegal's last game.

Idrissa Gueye and Nicolas Jackson are the most likely replacements if the duo are not passed fit for Tuesday.

Match Odds

Guinea are 12/5 to secure three points and qualify themselves as winners of Group C, while Senegal are 5/4 to win and achieve a 100% record. The draw, meanwhile, is available at 7/4.

Both teams to score has landed in one of Guinea and Senegal's opening two games, and it's 6/5 for BTTS - Yes on Tuesday.

Draw @ 7/4

Guinea and Senegal would have taken their current positions at the start of the tournament, so a draw on Tuesday would suit both.

Senegal were fancied as one of the favourites to win the competition after defeating Egypt in the final of the previous edition, so they were expected to win the group, while Guinea knew they would be battling it out with Cameroon for second.

Both sides have only conceded once so far, so they could end up cancelling each other out with Senegal likely to play a patient game, knowing a point will see them achieve their objectives.

Guinea won't be too disturbed at failure to finish first, knowing that they are yet to play their trump card of Guirassy.

Highest Scoring Half - Second Half @ 6/5

Senegal headed into the interval at 1-0 up in both of their first two fixtures before adding two more in the second half.

The second half, meanwhile, proved pivotal for Guinea last Friday as they scored the only goal of the game against Gambia in the 69th-minute.

As mentioned above, neither side really needs to go all out in the opening stages of Tuesday, knowing a draw is enough.

Things may open up a bit more in the second half, though, as players get tired and substitutes eager to impress get introduced.

Check out the rest of our AFCON Betting Tips here.