By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-19 21:36:30
Senegal’s defending champion, Sadio Mané, scored a late goal to secure a 3-0 victory over Cameroon, ensuring their progress to the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. Ismaïla Sarr also contributed with a goal and an assist for the Lions of Teranga, propelling them to the top of Group C with back-to-back 3-0 wins. Cameroon, a five-time champion, now faces an uncertain path to the next round, relying on a victory over Gambia and help from Senegal in their final group games.
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana made his first appearance for Cameroon in the tournament, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Senegal’s dominant performance. Senegal’s early lead was established by Sarr in the 16th minute, and they continued to control the game, with Habib Diallo adding a third goal in the 71st minute. The victory was sealed by Mané in injury time, much to the delight of the Senegalese fans in attendance.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde secured their spot in the knockout stage with a 3-0 win over Mozambique, becoming the first team to do so in the tournament. The Blue Sharks now sit at the top of Group B with two wins from two games, ahead of traditional powerhouses Egypt and Ghana. Cape Verde’s strong performance reflects their growth in African football, as they aim to continue their success in the tournament.
With the top two teams from each group guaranteed to progress, and the addition of the best third-place finishers, the competition is heating up as teams fight for a place in the knockout stage. Cape Verde’s success demonstrates that they are a force to be reckoned with in African football, with defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes expressing confidence in the team’s abilities.
