AFCON 2023 – Group C: Teams, favourites and standings

Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia make up Group C of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). In this article, we'll give you all the information about this group.

This year's continental finals are also sometimes called AFCON 2023, since it was originally scheduled to take place last year, but was postponed until January-February 2024.

AFCON 2024 Group C teams

Senegal
Cameroon
Guinea
Gambia

AFCON 2024 Group C schedule

The 2023 AFCON Group C matches will take place in Yamoussoukro, with the exception of Gambia vs Cameroon, which will take place in Bouaké.

Day 1:

15 January, 3 pm: Senegal vs Gambia, Charles Konan Banny Stadium
15 January, 6 pm: Cameroon vs Guinea, Charles Konan Banny Stadium

Day 2:

19 January, 6 pm: Senegal vs Cameroon, Charles Konan Banny Stadium
19 January, 9 pm: Guinea vs Gambia, Charles Konan Banny Stadium

Day 3:

23 January, 6 pm: Guinea vs Senegal, Charles Konan Banny Stadium
23 January, 6 pm: Gambia vs Cameroon, Stade de la Paix

Group C: Analysis of the teams involved

Senegal

Senegal, current African champions, approach AFCON 2024 with as the favourites. With an attack led by Sadio Mané, the Lions will try to defend their title in what is considered the group of death. Interestingly, no title holder has retained their crown since Egypt did so in 2010. Senegal's encounter with Cameroon in particular, promises to be a key match in the group.

Cameroon

Cameroon, third in the previous AFCON event which they hosted, present themselves as one of the big favourites in Group C. The Indomitable Lions, accustomed to major competitions, have an impressive pedigree.

Their clash with Senegal will likely be one of the highlights of the tournament's group stage, a true showdown between two African football powerhouses. The fact remains that many doubts surround Rigobert Song's group; as they won just one of four games ahead of this tournament.

We would like to point out that only one team (Egypt) has won more AFCON titles than the Indomitable Lions.

Cameroon team photo — Credit: Icon Sport

Guinea

Guinea reached the Round of 16 in the previous edition of this competition; and they stand as serious challengers. While they're not as highly ranked as Senegal and Cameroon, Syli National are recognized for their resistance and fighting spirit.

With Sehrou Guirassy in top form but Naby Keita too often injured, the Kaba Diawara gang will try to do what they haven't been able to do in recent years: shake up the hierarchy.

Gambia

The Gambia were surprise quarter-finalists in the previous edition of this tournament, which was even more impressive considering it was the first-ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Under the leadership of their Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, the team aim to qualify for the Round of 16. Although considered the underdogs of this very tough group, Gambia could once again surprise their opponents and play a serious role in this competition.

Group C: Their history at the Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal

16 appearances

Best performance: winner in 2022

Cameroon

20 appearances

Best performance: winner in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017

Guinea

14 appearances

Best performance: finalist in 1976

Gambia

One appearance

Best performance: quarter-finalist in 2021

AFCON 2024 Group C: The history of clashes

Senegal and Cameroon have faced each other 16 times in history, and three of those were at this tournament. This includes the 2002 final, where Cameroon won on penalties.

The last encounter between these teams at this competition dates back to 2017. In the quarter-finals, the Indomitable Lions took the scalp of the Senegalese Lions on penalties before going on to claim the title. These teams last met on 16th October, where Senegal came out on top by a lone goal.

In the previous edition of the AFCON, Senegal and Guinea clashed in the group stage, where they played out a goalless draw. Note that the Lions have only faced Gambia twice during their history. Those two skirmishes took place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds, and both meetings ended in stalemates.

For their part, the Indomitable Lions lost their last encounter with Guinea in a 2017 friendly match, and will be keen to get their revenge. They had also eliminated Gambia in the quarter-finals of the previous edition of this competition.