Everton’s Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye got off to a winning start at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Senegalese duo helped their country ease past Botswana with a 3-0 victory in Morocco this afternoon.
A brace from Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson either side of half time put Senegal in a comfortable lead.
Samsunspor striker Cherif Ndiaye added a 90th minute coup de grace to seal the points.
Senegal looked in total control of the game from the opening minute, with Everton’s duo at the heart of it.
Iliman Ndiaye was a constant threat, particularly throughout the first half. Indeed, he was unlucky not to score, forcing goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko into a fine fingertip save.
The 25-year-old produced moments of magic we’ve become accustomed to, often teasing the Botswana defence.
Playing on the right, he could’ve bagged a couple of assists were it not for poor finishing from Senegal’s strikers.
EVERTON DUO SHINE ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE
Idrissa Gueye meanwhile was the midfield metronome, playing the full 90 minutes and completing the most passes (95).
The win puts Senegal on top of Group D on goal difference. They will take on DR Congo on Saturday at 3pm.
The Toffees also kick off at 3pm this Saturday (a rarity these days), against Burnley at Turf Moor.
David Moyes revealed in today’s press conference that there are no new injury concerns ahead of the fixture.
Burnley are without a win since October and a draw last week ended a run of seven straight defeats.
It’s a game Everton should be winning, even without key players such as Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye.
However, the pair’s influence will no doubt be missed. It would be great to see them succeed at AFCON, but I want them back in Everton blue as soon as possible.
