Senegal
capped an immaculate Africa Cup of Nations group stage by easing past Guinea
2-0 to finish top of Group C on Tuesday. With the win, Senegal extended their
impressive unbeaten streak in the AFCON finals to 10 games. Guinea may have
lost, but their third-place finish ensured progression to the knockouts as one
of the best third-placed sides.
Tensions
flared early on between the two sides, but Senegal eventually exerted control
over the contest. However, clear cut chances were lacking in the first half for
both teams. Senegal’s best opportunity came from midfielder Nampalys Mendy,
whose pair of deflected strikes went just wide.
The second
half saw Senegal apply increased attacking pressure. Star forward Sadio Mané
found himself one-on-one with the Guinea keeper but uncharacteristically missed
the open goal. Senegal soon made amends when defender Abdoulaye Seck headed in
a free kick for his maiden AFCON goal.
Up a goal,
Senegal looked increasingly assured while a nervous Guinea struggled to create
many openings. Senegal confirmed the result late on through substitute Iliman
Ndiaye to seal a historic eighth group stage goal.
The Lions of
Teranga have been miserly in defence as well, keeping seven clean sheets in their
last 10 AFCON matches thanks to another strong showing from goalkeeper Edouard
Mendy. Meanwhile, Guinea will quickly shift focus to the knockout stage as they
attempt to advance further into the tournament.
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