AFCON 2023: Why Mane’s Senegal Will Crash Out in the Last 16, According to a Key Statistic

• Senegal are the bookmakers' favourites to win the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast
• However, a statistic shows the Lions of Teranga will likely not defend their title
• Reigning champions in the previous editions have struggled to defend at AFCON

Senegal is strongly favoured to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title in Ivory Coast, with many expecting Sadio Mane and his team to win back-to-back trophies.

The Lions of Teranga, who claimed the 2021 edition after heartbreak in previous tournaments, will aim to replicate their success again under coach, Aliou Cisse.

Having narrowly missed out on glory in 2002 and again in 2019, Senegal was triumphant at the third time of asking in 2021 by defeating record champions, Egypt, in a closely contested final.

As they enter the 34th edition in Ivory Coast, AI analytics from Opta, as reported by the BBC, indicate the Lions of Teranga have a favourable chance of securing a consecutive trophy.

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Senegal backed to win AFCON 2023

However, the journey won't be without challenges. Drawn into a formidable Group C, the West African nation faces tough competition in their title defence.

They commence their campaign on January 15 against the Gambia, a team that defied expectations to reach the quarter-finals on debut last time around.

The Lions of Teranga will then engage in a thrilling clash with Cameroon, renewing an intense rivalry at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

The group stage concludes with a match against Guinea's Syli National, a formidable side on their day.

Why Senegal can't defend AFCON trophy

While progressing through the group stage may not pose a significant challenge for Senegal, history suggests that defending champions often struggle to advance beyond the round of 16 at the biennial competition.

According to Livescore, in the past six tournaments, no reigning champion has managed to progress beyond this stage.

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Notably, the 2019 champions - Algeria - exited the competition at the group stage, highlighting the difficulty defending champions face in living up to expectations.

The looming question remains: will Senegal defy the trend and make this year's campaign different?

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Senegal land in Abidjan as champions

Sports Brief also reported on the Senegalese national team arriving in Ivory Coast, as they prepare to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

Led by Al-Nassr star, Sadio Mane, who recently tied the knot with long-time girlfriend Aisha Tamba, the team landed in Abidjan earlier this week.

Senegal are set to travel to Yamoussoukro, where they will be stationed for their Group C matches against Cameroon, Guinea, and the Gambia.