Senegal vs Cameroon: Teranga Lions qualify for knockout stage with hard-fought 2-1victory

Senegal continued their title defence in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'Ivoire 2023 with a determined victory over Cameroon in a hard-fought battle at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro,

The Teranga Lions seized an early lead with Ismaila Sarr making a significant impact.

The 25-year-old forward found the net after 16 minutes, capitalizing on a rebound from a teasing pass inside the box to give Senegal the lead.

Senegal maintained control in the second half, doubling their lead with Habib Dailo capitalizing on a perfect pass from Ismailia Sarr.

The well-executed play extended the Terranga Lions' advantage.

Cameroon, determined to mount a comeback, narrowed the deficit to 2-1 when Jean Charles Castelleto rose highest to head home a cross from Oliver Ntcham in the 83rd minute.

The Indomitable Lions intensified the pressure on Senegal after their goal, seeking an equalizer.

However, with just 2 minutes remaining in the game, Sadio Mane secured Senegal's victory with his first goal of the tournament.

Mane capitalized on a pass from Pape Gueye, leaving goalkeeper Andre Onana beaten.

The win propels Senegal to the top of the group with 6 points from 2 games, ensuring their qualification to the knockout stage.

On the other hand, Cameroon, with 0 points from 2 games, faces a crucial match against Gambia on Tuesday, January 23, needing a victory to progress to the knockout stage.

Their subsequent challenge will be against Guinea at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on the same date.