Defending champions Senegal have emphatically booked their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, clinching the top spot in Group C with a commanding 3-1 victory over Cameroon. The match, held at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, saw the Teranga Lions display their championship pedigree against the Indomitable Lions.
Senegal's Dominant First Half Performance
From the opening whistle, Senegal asserted control. Their pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Ismaila Sarr broke the deadlock. The Watford forward capitalized on a defensive lapse, calmly slotting the ball past Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana to send the Senegalese supporters into a frenzy.
The lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark. Sarr turned provider, delivering a precise pass to Habib Diallo, who made no mistake with a powerful first-time finish. Senegal entered halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage, leaving the five-time champions Cameroon with a mountain to climb.
Cameroon's Fightback and Senegal's Sealing Goal
Cameroon emerged with more intent in the second half. Their persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute when Jean-Charles Castelletto headed home from a corner, setting up a tense finale. The goal breathed new life into the contest and hinted at a potential comeback.
However, any hopes of a Cameroonian revival were extinguished in stoppage time. Sadio Mane, who had been a constant threat, was brought down in the box. The Al Nassr star picked himself up and coolly converted the resulting penalty in the fifth minute of added time, sealing a 3-1 win and confirming Senegal's supremacy in the group.
Implications for the AFCON Knockout Stages
This result solidifies Senegal's status as serious contenders to retain their title. By winning Group C, they have positioned themselves favorably for the round of 16. The team's blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, led by stars like Mane and Sarr, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.
For Cameroon, the path forward is now more complicated. The defeat leaves them with work to do in their final group match to secure progression as one of the best third-placed teams. The performance raised questions about their defensive organization and ability to compete with the continent's elite sides.
The other Group C fixture saw Guinea play out a 1-1 draw with The Gambia. Guinea's result was enough for them to claim second place in the group with five points, while Cameroon sits third with one point. The final group standings are:
- 1. Senegal: 9 points (Qualified)
- 2. Guinea: 5 points (Qualified)
- 3. Cameroon: 1 point
- 4. The Gambia: 0 points
All eyes now turn to the draw for the last 16, where Senegal will await one of the third-placed qualifiers, aiming to continue their confident march in the defense of the AFCON trophy they won in 2021.
