Sadio Mane inspires Senegal to victory over Kenya

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').