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Afcon 2021: Mendy and Koulibaly out of Senegal opener versus Zimbabwe

Senegal will be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and defender Kalidou Koulibaly for their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations after both players tested positive for coronavirus.

The Teranga Lions, who were runners-up at the 2019 edition of the tournament, face Zimbabwe in their opening Group B game on Monday (13:00 GMT).

Chelsea keeper Mendy, centre-back Koulibaly and striker Famara Diedhiou have all gone into isolation.

Coach Aliou Cisse looks set to have just 17 players available for the match in Bafoussam because of several Covid-19 cases and injuries.

"It's a difficult and complicated situation," Cisse said.