Togo and Senegal face off in Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Stade de Kegue on Tuesday, coming off different opening-day results, with Senegal securing a convincing victory over South Sudan in Diamniadio.
Match preview:
The Sparrowhawks of Togo managed only a 1-1 draw against Sudan in their Group B opener, breaking their four-game winning streak. Mohamed Eisa scored from the penalty in the 17th minute, but Kevin Denkey equalized for Togo. Despite a strong finish in the AFCON qualifiers, Togo missed out on Ivory Coast, finishing third in Group B.
Senegal, in contrast, started their World Cup quest with a 4-0 win over South Sudan, featuring goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Lamine Camara, and a brace from Sadio Mane. The Lions of Teranga are unbeaten in nine straight competitive games, including winning the AFCON title in February.
While Togo seeks its first World Cup appearance since 2006, Senegal aims for a third consecutive World Cup, having reached the quarter-finals in 2022. Aliou Cisse’s men are currently 20th in the FIFA World Rankings and second in Africa.
Team News:
Denkey, with 14 goals this season, is expected to lead Togo’s attack. Aholou, Dermane, and Narey should form the midfield, with Bessile and Djene as the center-back pairing.
Senegal may stick to the winning formula, with Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, and Jakobs forming the back four. Sarr, Gueye, and Camara are likely to control the midfield, supporting forwards Ndiaye, Diallo, and Mane.
Togo possible starting lineup:
Mensah; Amouzou, Bessile, Djene, Romao; Aholou, Dermane, Narey; Bebou, Placca, Denkey
Senegal possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; Sarr, Gueye, Camara; Ndiaye, Diallo, Mane
