AFCON 2021: Senegal ‘Rush’ Equatorial Guinea To Reach Semis

Senegal were roaring favorites for their quarter-final game against Equatorial Guinea, and the Teranga Lions fully assumed their status!

Against a tricky Equatorial Guinea side, Aliou Cissé’s men made the difference thanks to a fine performance from Sadio Mane in Yaounde.

Mane provided the assist for Famara Diedhiou’s goal, and Senegal was able to count on the help of substitutes; Cheikhou Kouyaté and Ismaïla Sarr to make the difference (3-1). In the semi-finals, Senegal, finalist of the 2019 edition, will face Burkina Faso for a place in the final.

Before entering the Ahmadou-Ahidjo stadium, Senegal could boast of average statistics, at least by their standards. In four matches at the AFCON, the Senegalese team conceded just once. Pragmatic in their approah, the team coached by Cissé quickly got on the saddle to attack against a collective Equatorial Guinea team.

Idrissa Gueye first missed the target with his free kick (13th), then Diedhiou called Jesus Owono to action for the first time, at the 21st minute.

Seven minutes later, the Alanyaspor striker was set free by Mane to open the scores. The Liverpool winger showed class as he mal-handled the Equatoguinean defense before further playing a part as Nampalys Mendy forced Owono to another save, 8 minutes after the half hour mark.

After heated exchanges between fans at the break, the two teams resumed the match in a fierce manner. Catchy on the eye, Equatorial Guinea equalized through Jannick Buyla.

Aware of his team’s difficulties, Aliou Cissé opted for two changes with Cheikhou Kouyaté and Ismaïla Sarr both making their way in. Not long on the field of play, Kouyaté received a loose ball in the middle of the area and did not hesitate to restore his team’s advantage at the 68th minute.

Sarr then benefitted from the brilliance of Saliou Ciss down the left to widen the gap (79th, 3-1). Simply stronger, Senegal has confirmed its status as a favorites to book a place in the finals. There are two more steps left before the Teranga Lions can lay hands on the coveted trophy