Sarr, Diallo lead Senegal to win over Congo

Salif Sane of Senegal

Wednesday Nov 13, 2019. 23:07

First half goals from Sidy Sarr and Habibou Diallo sealed a 2-0 victory for Senegal in their opening 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville on Wednesday.

The victory lifts Senegal to joint top of their pool, though behind Guinea-Bissau, who were handsome 3-0 winners over Eswatini earlier in the day.

The Lions of Teranga are looking to put behind them the disappointment of a final loss to Algeria in the Nations Cup in Egypt earlier this year, and made a solid, if unspectacular start to their qualification campaign.

Coach Aliou Cisse selected a full-strength side that includes Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly, but the side at times struggled to impose themselves on the game on what was admittedly a difficult pitch in Thies.

They were ahead on 26 minutes through the pacey Sarr with a neat finish, his second international goal, before Diallo added a second just before the break.

Senegal are next in action on Sunday when they travel to minnows Eswatini, while Congo host Guinea-Bissau on the same day.