Senegal continued their title defence in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 with a hard-fought victory over Cameroon on Friday evening at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
With what promised to be a big night for the two sides, Senegal took an early lead through Ismaila Sarr.
The 25-year-old shot Senegal into the lead with 16 minutes showing on the clock following a teasing pass inside the box while he lurked behind and gleefully pounced on a rebound to register the game’s opener.
The Teranga controlled the second half as they ended the first half and they managed to double their lead.
Sarr turned provider this time after teeing a perfect pass to the waiting feet of Habib Dailo who made no mistake to slot in the cushioning goal for the Terranga Lions of Senegal.
Cameroon’s Jean Charles Castelleto slashed Senegal’s lead into two after rising highest to head home a cross from Oliver Ntcham on the 83rd minute to bring the game to 2-1.
The Indomitable Lions after scoring started mounting pressure on Senegal.
With just 2 minutes to end the game, Sadio Mane got his first tournament goal and Senegal’s third of the night.
He made no mistake after he was connected with a Pape Gueye pass to score. Andre Onana was beaten completely.
The win means Senegal has 6 points out of 2 games and has qualified for the knockout stage.
Cameroon need a win to progress to the knockout in their last game against Gambia on Tuesday.
Senegal will play their last group match against Guinea at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday, 23 January.
