Still in the hunt for their first continental cup, Senegal would be looking to secure progression to the quarterfinal stage as they take on Cape Verde in the AFCON last 16 on Monday. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

The Lions of Terranga have won all of the last three meetings with Cape Verde, netting six and keeping clean sheets in all three games.

Big returnees for the Senegalese

Having missed out on their first two group games due to COVID complications, Senegal would've been boosted by the return of Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly. This would certainly bring more solidity to the defence as we saw in their final group game where they keep their second clean sheet of the group stage. The game ended in a goalless draw against Malawi, meaning that the Senegalese would top the group with just five points amassed. It is to be noted that Sadio Mane's penalty on the opening day was their only goal in the group stage and if we're to see them finally lift the AFCON title, they would need the Liverpool star and his fellow attackers to start banging in the goals.

Although Cape Verde has their work cut out for them this coming Tuesday, they would've been proud of their performance so far has amassed four points from the group stage. They kicked off the tournament with a victory against Ethiopia courtesy of a solitary strike from Julio Tavares on opening day and although they were beaten by the Burkinabes on matchday two, they were crowned off their group stage salvaging an important point against hosts Cameroon. How would they fare against a star-studded Senegal outfit ?

Senegal vs Cape Verde Team News

Senegal possible starting XI:

E. Mendy; Sarr, Koulibaly, A. Diallo, Ciss; P. Gueye, N. Mendy, I. Gueye; H. Diallo, Mane, Dia

Cape Verde possible starting XI:

Vozinha; S Fortes, Lopes, Stopira; J Fortes, Andrade, Santos, D Tavares; Rodrigues, Semedo, Monteiro

Senegal vs Cape Verde Prediction: 2-0

Although the Senegalese haven't particularly impressed so far, they do have the quality to go all the way and as such, we expect them to comfortably best their round of 16 opponents.