Sénégal secures dominant victory over Cameroun in AFCON 2023 group stage
In the second day of the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal faced Cameroon in a crucial match in Group C at the Charles-Konan-Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. Senegal emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, following their previous 3-0 victory against Gambia. The reigning African champions displayed their intentions early in the game and were rewarded with a goal by Ismaïla Sarr in the 16th minute.
Sarr’s goal came after a corner kick, where goalkeeper André Onana punched the ball, only for it to be deflected by Pape Matar Sarr’s chest.
Ismaïla Sarr, facing away from the goal, turned and shot with his right foot, with the ball deflecting off Zambo Anguissa’s thigh and finding the back of the net.
The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Senegal, who dominated against a Cameroon team lacking initiative.
Despite being two major African football nations – Senegal, once the champions, and Cameroon, five-time winners – Rigobert Song’s team struggled to impose their game.
The Cameroonian side, under the watchful eye of FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o, failed to respond effectively, with Nkoudou’s initiatives proving fruitless.
Senegal maintained their supremacy and extended their lead in the 71st minute when Habib Diallo scored the second goal after receiving a low cross from Ismaïla Sarr.
Eight minutes later, Jean-Charles Castelotto added a third goal with a powerful header from a cross by substitute Ntcham.
In the 90+5th minute of extra time, Sadio Mané sealed the victory for Senegal with a third goal.
The final score was 3-1, securing Senegal’s second consecutive win and confirming their status as the defending champions.
Sadio Mané and his teammates also secured a spot in the round of 16 ahead of their last group stage match against Guinea. Cameroon, with one point, still has a chance to qualify but must win their final group stage match convincingly against Gambia, who is currently facing Guinea in the second match of Group C.
