Sadio Mane inspires Senegal to victory over Kenya

Sadio Mane inspires Senegal to victory over Kenya
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Eric Ouma of Kenya during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Kenya and Senegal at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 01 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by BackPageTXT

Monday Jul 01, 2019. 23:04

Senegal defeated Kenya 3-0 in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C match at the 30 June Stadium in Egypt on Monday night.

The result saw the Lions of Teranga progress to the knockout stages as runners-up, while the Harambee Stars could still qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The match got off to a lively start and Patrick Matasi was a busy man in the Harambee Stars goal-posts as the Lions of Teranga searched for the opening goal.

The Kenya goalkeeper was called into action by Idrissa Gana Gueye in the 23rd minute following a good move by Senegal.

The Everton FC midfielder received a cross inside the box and fired a shot towards Matasi, who made a magnificent reflex save to deny the West Africans.

Senegal were then awarded a penalty after Abud Omar had hacked down Saliou Ciss in the box just before the half-hour mark.

Sadio Mane then stepped up and he was denied by Matasi, who pulled off a brilliant low save to deny the Liverpool FC forward from the spot-kick.

The Harambee Stars then contained the Lions of Teranga and the score was 0-0 at the interval.

The Lions of Teranga continued their dominance after the restart, but Matasi was having a good game as he made more great saves.

The Ethiopia-based shot-stopper was well-positioned to save Henri Saivet's long-range shot, before making another save from Mbaye Niang's shot.

Kenya did threaten through Dennis Odhiambo, whose thunderous long-range shot was pushed over the crossbar by Senegal keeper Alfred Gomis in the 62nd minute.

However, Senegal finally broke the deadlock a minute later when Ismaila Sarr scored with a beautiful volley to make it 1-0 to Senegal.

The momentum was with Senegal, who then made it 2-0 through Mane after he beat his marker for strength and pace, before firing past Matasi with 19 minutes left.

Pressure mounted on the Harambee Stars defence and they conceded a penalty when Philemon Otieno fouled Sarr and he was shown a second yellow and sent off.

Mane then stepped up and this time, he beat Matasi from the spot-kick to make it 3-0 to Senegal in the 78th minute.

Kenya tried to push for a late consolation goal, but Senegal stood firm at the back and the Lions of Teranga emerged 3-0 winners on the night.

Kenya (0) 0
Senegal (0) 3 (Sarr 63', Mane 71', 78')

Kenya: Matasi, Otieno, Mohammed, Okumu, Khamis, Wanyama, Omolo, Ouma Otieno, Odhiambo (Avire 75'), Masika (Oginga 81'), Olunga.

Senegal: Gomis, Gassama, Koulibaly, Kouyate, Ciss, Gueye (Diatta 80'), Badou N'Diaye, Saivet, Mane, Sarr, Niang (Konate 75').




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