Hope is still in the air for both Malawi and Senegal as they enter the Group B final matchday in Bafoussam on Tuesday.
Malawi has three points to their name, one shy of Senegal who share top spot with Guinea. Zimbabwe trail the group pointless.
The Lions of Teranga were beaten finalists in the last AFCON in Egypt three years ago but are well fancied to go one better this time around, with a star-studded squad.
Aliou Cisse will be hoping to see a much more potency in attack after drawing blanks in their match against Guinea.
“We have confidence going into the game, but it’s important to respect Malawi. We are happy that all our players are available which gives us more options. All Senegalese are watching us and it’s our role to give them hope by winning,” Cisse said.
“Our ambitions are intact. We are playing against a motivated side that want to go for a special win,” he added.
The Teranga Lions have not scored a goal in open play so far in the tournament and will look to set the records straight when they face Malawi.
A late Sadio Mane penalty in stoppage time ensured victory over Zimbabwe, before Senegal managed only a draw in their second game against Guinea.
Elsewhere in group B, Guinea will tackle bottom side Zimbabwe at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Tuesday, in a decisive game for Syli Nationale.