The final matchday of Group D takes place this Tuesday. The Lions of Senegal face the Cheetahs of Benin in a decisive clash for first place. It promises to be a thrilling encounter between a Senegal side determined to finish top of their group and a euphoric Benin team eager to build on their historic first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory. The duel promises some exciting battles at the Tangier stadium.

Sadio Mané / Mohamed Tijani

Having scored Senegal's equalizer against DR Congo (1-1), Sadio Mané will once again lead the Lions' attack against Benin, a team he has a particularly good record against. In 2022, during Senegal's qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegalese number 10 scored a hat-trick against the Cheetahs (3-1). More recently, on March 24, 2024, he scored the only goal in Senegal's 1-0 friendly victory.

Once again, Mané will be the main threat to the Benin defense, which will rely on Mohamed Tijani to try and contain him. A powerful, left-footed center-back (1.90 m tall and weighing 86 kg), Tijani forms a solid partnership with Olivier Verdon. Born in Man, Ivory Coast, the 28-year-old will be eager to shine against the Senegalese attack and confirm his status as a reliable defender.

Pape Gueye / Hassane Imourane

In an Africa Cup of Nations where the midfield battle is crucial, Pape Alassane Gueye will have a central role to play. A powerful defensive midfielder (1.89 m tall and weighing 79 kg), the former Olympique de Marseille player is a key element in Pape Thiaw's system. In this West African derby, his physical presence, work rate, and technical qualities will be decisive.

However, against Benin, Pape Gueye will face a formidable opponent in Hassane Imourane. A pillar of the Beninese midfield, Imourane is a key player in Gernot Rohr's system. Both strong in duels and precise in his distribution, his influence could be decisive in the outcome of the match.

Moussa Niakhaté / Steve Mounié

Imperious since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté is enjoying an excellent start to the tournament. An experienced and powerful central defender, the Olympique Lyonnais player stands out for his solidity in duels. The former Nottingham Forest player, competing in his second AFCON, seems perfectly suited to the demands of African football.

This Tuesday, Niakhaté will face a formidable opponent: Steve Mounié. A powerful Beninese striker (1.89 m tall and weighing 80 kg), Mounié is the Cheetahs' main attacking weapon. With his extensive experience (66 caps), and as the second-highest scorer in the history of the Beninese national team with 23 goals, behind Stéphane Sessègnon (24 goals), the Beninese captain will be eager to lead his team to another historic victory. A great duel is in store.