Defending Champions Senegal Beat Guinea to Reach AFCON Last 16 

Defending champions Senegal secured the top spot in Group C at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Guinea 2-0 in an intense and ill-tempered encounter.

Abdoulaye Seck headed the Teranga Lions in front from a free-kick, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed victory with a fine low finish in the final minute.

Despite the loss, Guinea had already secured their spot in the knockout stages before the match, finishing third in the group after Cameroon beat The Gambia 3-2. Senegal progressed from the group stage as the only team with a perfect record.

Senegal, led by coach Aliou Cisse, will stay in Yamoussoukro and face a third-placed team from Group A or F in the last 16 on Monday. Guinea, on the other hand, will play against Group A winners Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in Abidjan.

The match was marked by physical play and arguments between players, with both teams eager to assert dominance in this West African derby. However, the first half saw no shots on target as the teams struggled to create scoring opportunities.

Senegal’s midfielder Nampalys Mendy ignited a confrontation with Guinea’s Ilaix Moriba, and the first significant chance came from a powerful shot by Mendy, which was deflected over the bar. Guinea, adopting a physical approach, failed to provide service to star striker Serhou Guirassy.

The second half brought more intensity, and Senegal appealed for a penalty when Sadio Mane fell following a duel with Saidou Sow, but the referee waved play on. The crucial breakthrough for Senegal came in the 61st minute when Abdoulaye Seck headed in a pinpoint free-kick delivery from Krepin Diatta.

Iliman Ndiaye, a former Sheffield United forward, sealed the win by receiving a well-weighted pass from Mane and slotting the ball across goal into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a fine diving save from Morgan Guilavogui’s acrobatic volley, securing Senegal’s victory. Although not their most convincing performance, Senegal remains on track to become the first team to retain the AFCON trophy since Egypt in 2010. Guinea aims to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015.

Source: BBC Sports