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Sadio Mane, Senegal vs Burkina Faso 2022Backpage

Afcon final: Senegal predicted XI - Mane in attack, Koulibaly the rock at the back

Senegal have reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time and coach Aliou Cisse is optimistic of guiding his charges past Egypt.

GOAL predicts how the West Africans might line up.

  • Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.BackpagePix.

    Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy

    Mendy, who has conceded just two goals in the competition, will be targeting another clean sheet to stand a chance of being crowned Afcon's best keeper.

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  • Saliou Ciss of Senegal in Afcon 2021.Backpagepix.

    Left-back - Saliou Ciss

    The Nancy full-back is expected to retain his position after impressive displays in the previous outings.

  • Kalidou Koulibaly SenegalGetty

    Centre-back - Kalidou Koulibaly 

    The 30-year-old defender will be expected to marshall Senegal's backline and try to keep the Burkina Faso attackers at bay. His impact in the attack cannot be overlooked considering the fact that he assisted Abdou Diallo in the win over Burkina Faso.

  • Mouhamadou Diallo, Senegal, January 2022Backpagepix

    Centre-back - Abdou-Lakhad Diallo

    The 25-year-old PSG star will partner Koulibaly at the back. He will be also be needed to help in attack especially during set pieces as seen against the Stallions.

  • Bouna SarrGetty Images

    Right-back - Bouna Sarr

    The Bayern Munich full-back, Senegal's designated free-kick taker, is expected to complete the same back four for the fourth straight game.

  • CAN 2022 - Sénégal-Zimbabwe - Idrissa GueyeGetty Images

    Midfielder - Idrissa Gueye

    The PSG defensive midfielder is expected to command and anchor the midfield on Sunday.

  • Nampalys Mendy of Senegal.Backpagepix.

    Midfielder - Nampalys Mendy

    In a rather defensive approach, Mendy is expected to be deployed alongside Gueye as the Teranga Lions take on the unpredictable Pharaohs at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

  • Senegal's midfielder Cheikhou KouyateGetty Images

    Midfielder - Cheikhou Kouyate

    Kouyate was impressive against the Burkinabes alonside Gueye and Mendy and is once again expected to start ahead of Pape Gueye.

  • Sadio Mane Senegal Iban Salvador Edu Equatorial Guinea Afcon 2022Getty Images

    Forward - Sadio Mane

    The Liverpool star assisted and scored in the semis. His form on the material day will be vital for the Teranga Lions.

  • Famara Diedhiou SenegalGetty

    Striker: Famara Diedhiou

    Diedhiou had a good work rate and played a vital role when selected. Although Bamba Dieng replaced him and went ahead to score in the semis, Diedhiou is expected to keep his place.

  • Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Dieng of Senegal.Backpagepix.

    Forward - Bamba Mbacke Dieng

    The Marseille forward should start ahead of Ismaila Sarr owing to his chemistry with the fellow attackers.