Lions of Teranga roar into Afcon round of 16

The likes of Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane lead the charge for Senegal en-route to booking their spot in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday following their 3-1 win over Cameroon at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro.

After bagging two victories in succession, Senegal currently sit at the top of Group C with six points, while Cameroon sit in third with one point to their name after two games played.

The game commenced at a rapid pace at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, with both nations winning consecutive corners during the first 10 minutes of the encounter. Senegal however, edged their opponents to the ball possession count, while creating more notable scoring chances during this period.

Senegal took the lead in the 15th minute, with Ismaila Sarr opening the scoring in Yamoussoukro. Following a corner situation, Sarr latched onto a failed clearance before unleashing a powerful shot that took a big deflection en-route to Andre Onana’s left.

The Indomitable Lions began seeing more of the ball as the half-hour mark approached but struggled to infiltrate the Senegalese backline. Senegal however, did not hold back and continued to look dangerous on the break.

Senegal began turning the screws as the half-time whistle approached and actively searched for a second-goal. Cameroon then looked to hit the Lions of Teranga on the counter but fell short at the final hurdle.

Aliou Cisse’s side looked menacing after the restart and immediately put Cameroon on the backfoot. As a result of Senegal’s pressure, the Indomitable Lions battled to make it out of their defensive quarters.

Senegal doubled their lead in the 70th minute as Habib Diallo joined Sarr on the scoresheet. After a sustained passing sequence on the edge of the Cameroon area, Sarr played a teasing ball across the six-yard box which was tapped home by Diallo from close range.

Cameroon drew one back in the 83rd minute, as Jean-Charles Castelletto popped up to set-up a nervy ending to the game. After a well-worked corner, Castelletto's powerful header beat Édouard Mendy at his near post.

Sadio Mane rounded off the scoreline in the 95th minute as he opened his account at the tournament. Idrissa Gueye found Mane with a squared ball inside the box, as the Al Nassr star showcased his class with a well-timed finish.   

Aliou Cisse and company will now take on Guinea on Tuesday 23 January, while Cameroon will face Gambia on the same day.

Senegal: (1) 3 (I.Sarr 15’, Diallo 70’, Mane 95’)

Cameroon: (0) 1 (Castelletto 83’ )

Senegal: Mendy, Jakobs, A. Diallo Koulibaly, Diatta, Gueye, P.Sarr (Gueye 74’), Camara (Ciss 90’), Mane, I.Sarr (Ndiaye 82’), H.Diallo (Jackson 81’)

Cameroon: Onana, Tolo, Wooh, Castelletto, Tchato (Tchamadeu 91’), Anguissa, Kemen, Neyou (Ntcham 79’), N’Koudou, Magri, Mgamaleu (Moumbagna 74’)