Looking to take the penultimate step towards glory in the African Nations Championship, Senegal and Madagascar go head-to-head in Tuesday's last-four clash.
Awaiting the winner of this tie in the grand finale is one of Algeria or Niger Republic, who lock horns in the other semi-final encounter.
Match preview
Senegal saw off the threat of Mauritania's Lions of Chinguetti in a narrow 1-0 victory when the sides faced off at Stade 19 Mai 1956 on Friday evening.
The game was decided 11 minutes shy of half time as Lamine Camara made no mistake from 12 yards to send Pape Thiaw's men through to the next round.
Consequently, the Lions of Teranga have now won three of their four outings since the turn of the year having failed to come out on top in any of their final two involvements of 2022.
Next up is the challenge of an opposing outfit who are yet to emerge triumphant in any of the four previous meetings between the teams across all competitions.
Having fallen at the semi-final hurdle in their last continental tournament, Senegal will be keen to go one better this time with a good number of their COSAFA Cup squad in action at the African Nations Championship.
Madagascar had far too much quality for the Mambas of Mozambique as they ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at the Stadium Mohamed Hamlaoui on Saturday.
Romuald Rakotondrabe's men broke the deadlock through Solom Raza after which strikes from Jean Razafindrakoto and Marcio Ravelomanantsoa sealed the deal, rendering Isac's late effort inconsequential.
Barea have now won each of their five matches either side of the new year, letting in just three goals and that time and scoring a whopping 14.
Currently just 90 minutes away from reaching the final in their first appearance at this level, Madagascar now set out to make further history against one of the 2023 CHAN favourites.
Team News
Off the back of consecutive clean sheets, Pape Thiaw is expected to stick with his trusted backline of Cheikh Sidibe, Cheikhou Ndiaye, Ousmane Diouf and Sane Mamadou.
Despite being eligible to feature against Mauritania, Libasse Ngom was an unused substitute, but the 19-year-old will be hopeful of a return to action in this one.
Madagascar's Solom Raza found the back of the net for the third match on the bounce last time out, making him one to keep a close eye on here.
Marcio Ravelomanantsoa wasted no time in announcing his arrival from the bench in the win over Mozambique, and the winger could be rewarded with a place in the starting XI.
Senegal possible starting lineup:
Sy; Sidibe, Ndiaye, Diouf, Sane; Kane, Camara, Ndiaye; Diallo, Mbaye, Diouf
Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Razakanirina; Rabarijaona, Rakotonirina, Tantely, Nirina; Andriamanjato, Andriamirado; Tokinantenaina, Rafanomezantosa, Raza; Razafindrakoto
We say: Senegal 2-1 Madagascar
Senegal have the upper hand judging by their previous matchups against Madagascar, and they will fancy themselves to carry the day once again. While we see Madagascar putting up a decent fight, we are tipping Senegal to just about emerge triumphant.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adepoju Marvellous
