By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-01-19 19:42:41
Defending champions Senegal secured their place in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Cameroon 3-1. Ismaila Sarr scored the opening goal and assisted in another, leading his team to victory. Senegal now has six points from their two games and will play their final group game against Guinea. Meanwhile, Cameroon has a point from their two games and will face Gambia in their last match.
Sarr opened the scoring in the first half after a mistake by Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was playing his first game of the tournament. Habib Diallo added the second goal from Sarr’s cross, and Jean-Charles Castelletto scored a late consolation for Cameroon. Sadio Mane completed the scoring for Senegal in injury time.
Cameroon failed to test Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy until the final 10 minutes, showing alarming form following a 1-1 draw with Guinea in their opener. Senegal’s first goal came after Onana failed to clear a cross and Sarr found the back of the net with a deflected shot, while Diallo scored the second goal from Sarr’s cross.
Despite finding a way back into the contest with Castelletto’s goal, Cameroon missed an opportunity to level the score when Georges-Kevin Nkoudou headed wide with the goalmouth gaping. Senegal sealed the three points when Mane netted their third goal.
Following the win, Senegal tops the pool with six points and secures a spot in the round of 16. On the other hand, Cameroon and Guinea have a point each, and Gambia is yet to earn a point in the tournament. Both Cameroon and Guinea will meet in their next match, while Senegal will face off against Guinea. The Group C clash in Yamoussoukro proved to be a crucial match that secured Senegal’s position in the knockout rounds.
Read the original article on SABC-News
