Senegal, the defending champions, secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Cameroon, as Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo, and Sadio Mane found the net in Yamoussoukro on Friday. This win follows Cape Verde’s earlier qualification with a 3-0 triumph over Mozambique in Abidjan.
Senegal now boasts a perfect six points from two Group C matches, with Sarr scoring in the first half and Diallo and Mane adding to the tally in the second. Although Jean-Charles Castelletto scored late for Cameroon, reducing the deficit to 2-1, Senegal sealed the win with Mane securing the outcome beyond doubt.
Cameroon, with only one point, faces a challenging task to advance, while Guinea has an opportunity to leapfrog Cameroon if they secure victory against the Gambia in the later double-header.
Despite the return of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for Cameroon, defensive lapses contributed to the goals conceded. Senegal fielded five players from the team that won the 2022 final against Egypt, including Mane, who scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Vincent Aboubakar, Cameroon’s star forward, remained sidelined due to a thigh injury that also ruled him out of the previous draw with Guinea.
Senegal took the lead in the 16th minute when Sarr reacted swiftly to a loose ball in the box, securing a deflected shot past the Cameroon goalkeeper. The first half, marked by limited shots on target, ended with Senegal leading 1-0.
Senegal extended their lead in the 71st minute through Diallo, who capitalized on a patient build-up around the Cameroon penalty area. Castelletto’s late header for Cameroon briefly revived hopes, but Mane’s stoppage-time goal sealed Senegal’s victory.
With six points in the bag, Senegal looks forward to the knockout stage, while Cameroon faces a crucial match against Guinea in their bid to progress in the tournament.
Reported By AFP
