Ten-man Senegal overcame Benin 3-0 at the Ibn Batouta Stadium to secure top spot in Group D, though captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s late dismissal will rule him out of their opening knockout fixture.
The 2021 champions dominated proceedings from the outset, with central defender Abdoulaye Seck opening the scoring in the 38th minute. Rising majestically to meet Krépin Diatta’s outswinging free-kick, Seck powered a header towards goal. After a lengthy VAR deliberation to determine whether the ball had struck his elbow, the goal was confirmed—much to Benin’s frustration.
Senegal doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Sadio Mané. The Al-Nassr forward embarked on a mesmeric run down the left flank before unselfishly laying the ball across for Habib Diallo, who finished emphatically from close range.
The contest took a dramatic turn in the 71st minute when Koulibaly was shown a straight red card for a clumsy stamp on Aiyegun Tosin’s calf. The referee initially brandished a yellow card but, after an extended VAR review, upgraded the punishment to a dismissal. The Chelsea defender’s absence will be keenly felt in the Round of 16.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Senegal sealed victory in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye stepped up to convert a penalty with a clinical right-footed finish after Rachid Moumini had clipped Ibrahim Mbaye inside the area.
The comprehensive victory sees Senegal finish level on seven points with Democratic Republic of Congo, but they claim top spot on goal difference. Meanwhile, Benin progress to the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams with three points, where they will face Egypt on 5 January.
For Benin, reaching the last 16 represents significant progress following their historic first-ever AFCON victory over Botswana earlier in the tournament. However, Senegal’s quality ultimately proved too much for the Cheetahs, who struggled to create meaningful opportunities throughout the contest.
