On Saturday night, Senegal and South Sudan clash at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor in Group B of Africa qualifying for next year's World Cup.
Senegal form guideThe Lions of Teranga have been inconsistent of late in the international game. However, Alou Cisse’s team has been difficult to beat, losing just once in 11 outings.
A 1-0 home win over Cameroon in their last match continued a low-scoring trend, meaning that five of Senegal’s last six games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Senegal has been stubborn opposition in World Cup qualifying, losing just once in their last 17 qualifiers. The record includes eight wins in their previous 11 games in qualifying.
The home team has never been beaten in a World Cup qualifier on home soil, a record encompassing 25 games, including 19 home victories in 90 minutes.
A solid defensive record has been the foundation for the excellent home qualifying record, as they have kept clean sheets in two of their previous eight home qualifiers.
South Sudan form guideNicolas Dupuis’ team ended a four-game losing streak last time out by claiming a 1-0 win in Kenya. The game also saw a big defensive improvement, as they had previously conceded at least two goals in their last three outings.
South Sudan are relatively new to World Cup qualifying, only making their debut in 2015.
Unfortunately for the visitors, they haven’t made a great start, as they have failed to win any of their four qualifiers played. They have lost both of their away qualifiers in Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea. South Sudan World Cup qualifiers have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of the four qualifiers.
What am I backing?Senegal are formidable at home in World Cup qualifying, so it will come as little surprise that the bet I am backing is the home win.
