SENEGAL became the second team to reach the round of 16 at the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after Cape Verde following a 3-1 victory over Cameroon in Yamoussoukro today.
The defending champions outplayed the Indomitable Lions and were worthy winners of a largely one-sided encounter.
Ismaila Sarr got the Teranga Lions on their way with a low shot into the bottom corner in the 16th minute after Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was making his first appearance in Cote d’Ivoire after arriving just hours before his side’s opening match on Monday, pushed the ball into his path.
Senegal extended their lead 26 minutes into the second half when Habib Diallo put the finishing touch to a fine delivery from the right by the impressive Sarr.
Cameroon did get one back with seven minutes of normal time left as
Jean-Charles Castelletto headed home with their first shot on target after a well-worked short corner routine.
The goal was against the run of play but Cameroon almost levelled as Georges-Kevin N’Koudou headed narrowly wide from close range shortly after.
Senegal then restored their two-goal lead in stoppage time when Sadio Mane swept the ball past a stretched Onana after a sweeping counter-attack.
With the victory, Senegal are guaranteed to finish in the top two positions of Group C as they have six points from two matches and will stay top going into the final group games regardless of the result of tonight’s clash between The Gambia and Guinea.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are in a precarious position with just one point from two matches and will need to beat The Gambia in their final group fixture on Tuesday.
Earlier, former Manchester United forward Bebe scored a free-kick from around 40 yards out as Cape Verde defeated Mozambique 3-0 in Abijdan.
The surprise packages from Cape Verde are guaranteed to win Group B having garnered six points from victories over Ghana and Mozambique, while the team placed in second spot, Egypt, have just two points with one round of games to go.
