Defending Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal face Niger at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Monday.

Aliou Cisse's team begin their Cup of Nations journey against Gambia on January 15 and are keen to head into the tournament in fine fettle.

Match preview

Senegal are favourites to defend the continental crown they won two years back, and they seek to show intent in their final tune-up game before the competition commences next week.

Monday's game presents an opportunity for the Lions of Teranga to extend their undefeated run in all competitions to three, including wins over Cameroon (1-0) and South Sudan (4-0).

While the African champions were held to a goalless encounter by Togo in World Cup qualifying, Cisse's side still have progress in their hands and look to keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions on Monday.

With the Lions' first game at AFCON 2023 coming a week after facing Niger, Africa's second-highest side have ample time for rest and recovery before their opening fixture against the Gambia.

Alarm should not be raised if Senegal fail to secure the victory, but winning stands them in good stead before their title defence.

While Niger may not be participating at the continental showpiece, Menas seek to be party poopers, aiming to plant a seed of doubt into Cisse's Lions.

Zaki Badou's side must retain the belief that they can hold their own against a nation 109 places above them in the FIFA men's ranking as they hope to build on their World Cup qualifying victory against Zambia in November.

The West African nation had lost 1-0 to Tanzania in round one of fixtures but responded impressively with a 2-1 triumph over the Copper Bullets to get their prospects of a debut appearance back on track, even if they may come to accept a second-place finish.

Menas' recent tendency to find the back of the net has been advantageous, with the Nigeriens scoring in three of their latest four games in all competitions.

Whether that comes to the fore against the Lions of Teranga remains to be seen, but Badou's men will back themselves to notch a goal, nonetheless.

Team News

Sadio Mane leads the Senegal forwards comprising much-maligned Chelsea man Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo and Boulaye Dia.

Ex-Napoli and Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, who lifted the title two years back, could start at centre-back against Niger on Monday.

Boubacar Goumey and Amadou Moutari netted the goals in Niger's victory over Zambia in November, and the pair could start in the team's attack against Senegal.

Menas could utilise a back four or five but are expected to favour the former against the African champions.

Senegal possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Kakobs; I. Gueye, Kouyate, Diatta; Sarr, Diallo, Mane

Niger possible starting lineup:
V. Attenhoven; Yakubu, Katkore, Massoudi, Alhassane; Moumouni, Diabate; Moutari, Y.Moussa, Djibrilla; Goumey

We say: Senegal 3-0 Niger

Senegal's strength up top should overpower a Niger side that have little riding on Monday's fixture.

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