Tottenham discover Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma AFCON absence ahead of January tournament
Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma have discovered who they will come up against when the Africa Cup of Nations gets under way midway through January. Representing Senegal and Mali respectively, the Tottenham pair will take part in the tournament in Ivory Coast, injury permitting of course.
Much will be expected of Senegal in the competition having triumphed two years ago by beating Egypt in the final. Sarr will no doubt have a key role to play for the Lions of Teranga, just as he has done for Tottenham this term since becoming a regular in Ange Postecoglou's side.
Mali, on the other hand, will be looking to fare better than they did last time out having lost on penalties to Equatorial Guinea in the Round of 16. Breezing through qualification with five wins from six in their qualifying group, Bissouma will be hoping to lead his country to the latter stages of the competition.
Ahead of the tournament commencing on Saturday, January 13, the draw for the Africa Cup of Nations was finalised in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Thursday evening. Reigning champions Senegal were drawn in Group C along with Cameroon, Guinea and The Gambia, whereas Mali are in Group E alongside Tunisia, South Africa, and Namibia.
Sarr and Senegal start their tournament with a clash against The Gambia on Monday, January 15, followed by a mouth-watering showdown with Cameroon three days later. They then finish their group against Guinea on Tuesday, January 23.
Mali take on South Africa in their Group E opener on Tuesday, January 16 before they play Tunisia four days later. Their Group E fixtures then draw to a conclusion against Namibia on Wednesday, January 24.
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