Senegal advance despite Malawi draw

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly challenges Gabadinho Hellings Mhango of Malawi during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals football match between Malawi and Senegal at Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam, Cameroon on 18 January 2022 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jan 18, 2022. 19:58

Malawi and Senegal drew 0-0 in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B match at the Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam in Cameroon on Tuesday night.

As a result, the Flames remained third on the group standings, but they still could progress to the knockout phase as one of the four best third-placed teams.

2021 AFCON GROUP STANDINGS

On the other hand, the Lions of Teranga reached the Last 16 as the Group B winners with second-placed Guinea having lost 2-1 to an already eliminated Zimbabwe side on the dame day.

The match got off to a lively start with the Lions of Teranga controlling the game and they threatened first through Sadio Mane who fired over the crossbar after connecting with a cross from the right.

However, Malawi improved as the match progressed and they began taking shots at goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as the Flames looked to break the deadlock against the much-fancied opponents.

Khuda Muyaba and Frank Mhango took shots from range which narrowly missed newly crowned 2021 The Best FIFA Goalkeeper Mendy’s goal-posts.

Mendy was finally called into action just before half-time and he denied Gomezgani Chirwa at the near-post and the score was 0-0 during the half-time break.

Senegal came back fired up following their half-time team talk with coach Aliou Cisse and Habib Diallo force keeper Charles Thomu into a great save after a good move by the West African giants.

The Flames were able to absorb pressure from the West African giants and they were awarded a penalty after Chirwa was fouled in the box by Bouna Sarr with 16 minutes left.

However, the decision to award Malawi a penalty was ruled out by match referee Blaise Yuven Ngwa after a Video Assistant Reference (VAR) check and the Senegalese players were relieved.

The last chance of the game fell for Famara Diedhiou, but the Alanyaspor striker’s volleyed effort was well-saved by Thomu to ensure that the encounter ended in a 0-0 draw.

Senegal 0

Malawi 0

Malawi: Thomu; Sanudi, Chaziya, Chembezi, Chirwa, Idana (Ngalande 79′), J. Banda, Madinga (G.Phiri 79′), Mhone (Chester 67′), Muyaba (Mbulu 67′), Mhango.

Senegal : É. Mendy, Sarr, Koulibaly, A.Diallo, Ciss, Gueye, N. Mendy (P. Gueye 72′), Kouyaté, Mane, H.Diallo (Dieng 60′), Dia (Diedhiou 72′).