Pape Matar Sarr’s Senegal set for AFCON opener

On-loan Pape Matar Sarr is getting set to represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations over the next month.

The midfielder, who joined us from Metz in the summer but has remained on loan at the Ligue 1 side for the duration of the current season, is part of his nation’s squad for the showpiece tournament in Cameroon, which runs from today (9 January) until 6 February.

Senegal are in Group B along with Zimbabwe, Guinea and Malawi, with their first game against Zimbabwe set to take place on Monday in Bafoussam – although a number of reported COVID-19 cases within Senegal’s squad means they could be forced to field a depleted side in that match.

The top two countries from each of the six groups will progress to the knockout stages, along with the four best-performing third-placed teams.

Still only 19 years of age, Pape made his senior Senegal debut last March and has earned four caps to date.

Senegal’s full list of group stage fixtures at the tournament is as follows (all kick-off times are UK)...

Monday 10 January – Senegal v Zimbabwe – kick-off 1pm
Friday 14 January – Senegal v Guinea – kick-off 1pm
Tuesday 18 January – Malawi v Senegal – kick-off 4pm