Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – The reigning AFCON champions are through to the knockout rounds after a 3-1 win over Cameroon on Friday.
Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo and Sadio Mane secured a vital three points for Senegal to clinch their spot in the last 16 with a game to spare.
Watford winger Sarr opened the scoring in the 16th minute, pouncing on a rebound from a corner kick and firing through traffic into the net.
Cameroon were struggling to contain Senegal’s attacking talent and went 2-0 down in the 71st minute as Diallo tapped in at the back post after a slick series of passes.
Jean-Charles Castelletto pulled one back late for Cameroon to make it 2-1, but Liverpool star Mane sealed the win on the counter attack in added time to complete the 3-1 victory.
The result leaves defending champions Senegal top of Group C with six points from two games. Their qualification for the knockouts is already secured ahead of their final group match against Kenya.
Meanwhile, it’s a costly defeat for AFCON hosts Cameroon. They sit bottom of the group with just one point and face an uphill task to reach the last 16. Guinea can leapfrog them into second place with a win over Gambia later on Friday.
On the evidence of this match, Senegal still look like the form team of the tournament. Their fluid attack and organized defense makes them deserved favorites to become the first back-to-back AFCON winners since Egypt in 2008.
Mane, Diallo and Sarr were constant threats in attack, while Kalidou Koulibaly marshalled the back line expertly. As long as Senegal continue this form, retaining their continental crown is a very realistic prospect.
