Senegal, already qualified, was pushed around but ended up winning 2-0 against Guinea who will accompany them in the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), after a dull match , Tuesday in Yamoussoukro.
Author of a flawless performance in Group C, reigning champion Senegal finished first with 9 points ahead of Cameroon (4 pts) and Guinea (4 pts) who defeated Gambia (3-2), during the second match played simultaneously. The two teams were only decided by the number of goals scored.
Abdoulaye Seck started Senegal by taking a free kick from Krépin Diatta (61st) before Iliman Ndiaye doubled the lead in added time (90th), saving this derby marked by a major technical waste on both sides.
Both teams struggled to enter the match, between the defending champion, already qualified, and Guinea who only needed a draw to advance to the second round. But little by little, the stakes for first place in the group, synonymous with a potentially easier round of 16, added salt to this duel between neighbors and the tension rose a notch between the 22 players, forcing the referee to distribute cards.
Without complex, the national Syli who had recovered his star striker Serhou Guirassy, back from injury and lined up for the first time in this CAN, shook up the Lions of Teranga.
The Senegalese winners of Guinea for the last match of group C of the CAN in Yamoussoukro, January 23, 2024 in Ivory Coast / Issouf SANOGO / AFP
But if Guinea dominated the start, it was Nampalys Mendy who lit the first fuse for Senegal: his big shot heading for the top corner was deflected at the last minute by Mohamed Camara, knocked out instantly (10th).
Shortly before the hour mark, the Lions of Teranga had the ball 1-0, when Sadio Mané eliminated the last defender and cleared the opposing goalkeeper but he completely missed the target (56th).
Five minutes later, Abdoulaye Seck, starting in place of the suspended Abdou Diallo, put Senegal at the top of the scoreboard by recovering a free kick from Monegasque Krépin Diatta.
On a ball scratched by Idrissa Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye well launched by Sadio Mané put an end to the Guinean illusions and sealed the success of the African champions at the end of added time.
