Senegal, the defending African champions, beat Cameroon 3-1 in this Friday’s highly-anticipated AFCON clash between two storied footballing nations.
Senegal dominated throughout the first half, with striker Ismaila Sarr scoring the first goal in the 16th minute. In the second half of the game, the Senegalese Lions not only maintained their lead, but they extended their dominance and added comfort with a second goal in the 71st minute, courtesy of striker Habib Diallo.
As Guinea and Gambia clash later this evening, Cameroon’s dismal record of only 1 point in two games put it in a delicate situation of needing to win its final group game if it is to advance to the next round.
Sadio Mane scored the third goal for his team in the 95th minute, cementing his team’s win.
Senegal started this year’s tournament on a strong note after a resounding 3-0 victory against Gambia in their opening match.
Meanwhile, Cameroon, who finished fourth in the last edition, drew 1-1 with Guinea in their opening match.
Coach Aliou Cisse expressed the importance of entering the competition with a victory, saying ahead of today’s game that his team is ready to defend it’s title. “We know Cameroon well, and it is a strong African team,” he asserted as he still backed his players to win.
Senegal now maintains its lead in Group C with a perfect record of six points from two games. As Guinea and Gambia clash later this evening, Cameroon’s dismal record of only 1 point in two games put it in a delicate situation of needing to win its final group game if it is to advance to the next round.