Senegal Under Pressure To Perform: 2012 Africa Nations Cup

Senegal faces co-host Equitorial Guinea at Estdio de Bata today desperately seeking their first three points to keep their 2012 Africa Nations Cup dreams alive.

A draw or defeat will almost certainly see Senegal make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Teranga Lions arrived at the tournament last Thursday as a hot favourite and were expected to sweep away the competition in Group A.

But that was not to be after Zambia shocked them with a 2-1 win  during both sides opening Group A game at the weekend.

“The result was a shocker, no more silly mistakes, we have to win our next two games”, Senegal Coach Amara Traore said

The pressure is also on Senegal strikers Mousa Sow, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba, w ho have been on fire at their respective European clubs, to deliver.

Meanwhile, since the loss, the Senegal camp has kept a very low profile to regroup and prepare for an even more unpredictable adversary. Their opponents and co-host Equitorial Guinea are looking good after their 1-0 victory over Libya in Bata that capped a spectacular tournament opening ceremony for the Africa Cup finals first timers.

Gilson Paulo’s side did not disappoint and another shock win this time against Senegal would be good enough to keep their dreams alive for a historic quarterfinals appearance.

However, Paulo must try and contain the exuberance of winger Iban Iyanaga who troubled Libya’s backline throughout their first game.

Senegal will still have to watch out for him though and also know the danger Equatorial Guinea poses in the much experienced ex-Real Madrid striker, Javier Balboa and captain and midfielder Montalaban Edjogo-Owono.