AFCON Report: Senegal v Cameroon report

by Thando Mpembe

Friday Jan 19, 2024. 21:44

Senegal booked their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 this week, after a classy 3-1 win against Cameroon at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro.

Date: Friday, 19 January 2024

Senegal: (1) 3 (I.Sarr 15’, Diallo 70’, Mane 95’)

Cameroon: (0) 1 (Castelletto 83’ )

Senegal: Mendy, Jakobs, A. Diallo Koulibaly, Diatta, Gueye, P.Sarr (Gueye 74’), Camara (Ciss 90’), Mane, I.Sarr (Ndiaye 82’), H.Diallo (Jackson 81’)

Cameroon: Onana, Tolo, Wooh, Castelletto, Tchato (Tchamadeu 91’), Anguissa, Kemen, Neyou (Ntcham 79’), N’Koudou, Magri, Mgamaleu (Moumbagna 74’)

The Lions of Teranga were the stronger team throughout the first half and edged Cameroon to the ball possession on numerous occasions. While the Indomitable Lions had chances of their own, it was Senegal who looked the more menacing outfit.

Senegal took the lead in the 15^th minute, as Ismaila Sarr got his name on the scoresheet in Yamoussoukro. After getting on the end of a failed clearance from a corner, Sarr let off a stinging shot that took a massive deflection en-route to Andre Onana’s left.

Habib Diallo doubled his nation’s advantage in the 70^th minute as his hard work in the final third finally paid off. Senegal dominated the game leading up to their second-goal and produced slick interplay on the edge of Cameroon’s box.

Cameroon drew one back in the 83^rd minute, as Jean-Charles Castelletto popped up to set-up a nervy ending to the game. After a well-worked corner, Castelletto powerful header beat Édouard Mendy at his near post. Nevertheless, Sadio Mane broke Cameroon hearts deep into stoppage time with a well-taken effort inside the 18-yard-area.

The Lions of Teranga will now take on Guinea on Tuesday 23 January, while Cameroon will face Gambia on the same day, in what will be both side’s final Group C matches at the AFCON.