Sadio Mane’s Equalizer Keeps Senegal atop Group D at AFCON
Senegal and DR Congo share the spoils in entertaining clash
Senegal, one of the favorites to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), kept tops spot in Group D after a pulsating 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday. The match saw Senegal come from behind to snatch a point, keeping their unbeaten run in the tournament intact.
The Congolese took the lead in the 61st minute through a goal from Cedric Bakambu, but their lead didn’t last long. Eight minutes later, Sadio Mane, one of Senegal’s star forwards, levelled the score with his 51st goal for his country, showcasing his remarkable precision and finishing.
“
I’m really happy to have scored for my country. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we kept fighting and got what we deserved.”
– Sadio Mane
Senegal and DR Congo on course for the last 16
With the result, both teams have four points from their opening two games, almost securing their places in the last 16. Senegal, however, leads the group on goal difference after their opening 3-0 win against Botswana. DR Congo, on the other hand, edged past Benin 1-0 on the same day that Senegal played their first match.
Benin claims first-ever AFCON victory
In the other group game, Benin secured their first-ever AFCON victory by a solitary goal against Botswana. Yohan Roche scored the winning goal in the 28th minute, rebounding off a defender to beat the Botswana keeper.
Nigeria guarantees last-16 spot with thrilling win over Tunisia
In Group C, Nigeria ensured their place in the last 16 with an exhilarating 3-2 victory over Tunisia. The game saw a display of attacking prowess from Nigeria, who opened the scoring through Victor Osimhen and added two more goals after the break, from captain Wilfred Ndidi and later by Ademola Lookman.
Tunisia, though, mounted a late comeback with two goals from defenders Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi, making for a tense finish. This victory, however, guarantees Nigeria a spot in the last 16, having already won their first two games.
Uganda and Tanzania share the spoils
Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania played out a 1-1 draw. Uche Ikpeazu‘s late header earned a point for Uganda, but they missed out on a winning goal when Allan Okello‘s penalty was saved.
Did you know?
Senegal has now scored in all of their AFCON games with Sadio Mane.
Up next
- Senegal vs Botswana – Tuesday, January 12
- DR Congo vs Benin – Tuesday, January 12