January 23, (THEWILL) – Senegal capped an immaculate Africa Cup of Nations group stage by easing past Guinea 2-0 to finish top of Group C on Tuesday. With the win, Senegal extended their impressive unbeaten streak in the AFCON finals to 10 games. Guinea may have lost, but their third-place finish ensured progression to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed sides.
Tensions flared early on between the two sides, but Senegal eventually exerted control over the contest. However, clear cut chances were lacking in the first half for both teams. Senegal’s best opportunity came from midfielder Nampalys Mendy, whose pair of deflected strikes went just wide.
The second half saw Senegal apply increased attacking pressure. Star forward Sadio Mané found himself one-on-one with the Guinea keeper but uncharacteristically missed the open goal. Senegal soon made amends when defender Abdoulaye Seck headed in a free kick for his maiden AFCON goal.
Up a goal, Senegal looked increasingly assured while a nervous Guinea struggled to create many openings. Senegal confirmed the result late on through substitute Iliman Ndiaye to seal a historic eighth group stage goal.
The Lions of Teranga have been miserly in defence as well, keeping seven clean sheets in their last 10 AFCON matches thanks to another strong showing from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Meanwhile, Guinea will quickly shift focus to the knockout stage as they attempt to advance further into the tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
