Guinea 0-2 Senegal: Mane's side qualify for last 16 with perfect group display

Holders Senegal sailed into the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 100 per cent record after beating Guinea 2-0 in Yamoussoukro.

Abdoulaye Seck headed the opening goal early in the second half and Iliman Ndiaye added a late second for the in-form favourites.

Defeat means Guinea, who went into the game knowing they would at least qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, must face Group A winners Equatorial Guinea.

A dismal first period yielded no shots on target, although Senegal did come close when an effort from Nampalys Mendy was deflected just over the bar.

After a fractious end to the first period which saw players from both sides having to be separated, Sadio Mane missed a golden chance shortly after the break.

The former Liverpool man rounded Guinea keeper Ibrahim Kone but failed to keep his shot on target and fired wide.

Seck rose unmarked to head home the opener from Krepin Diatta’s pinpoint free-kick and the goal clearly settled the hosts, who assumed full control.

Ndiaye’s excellent finish wrapped up victory on the stroke of full-time, but there was still time for Guinea to at least register a shot on target as Morgan Guilavogui’s volley tested Edouard Mendy in the Senegal goal.

Match Events

0' The match is about to start!

28' Highlight from Guinea vs Senegal

45' GOAL! Guinea 0-1 Senegal (Vaclav Sejk)

45' Match Event for Guinea vs Senegal

90' Guinea 0-2 Senegal (Ndiaye)

Match Report

Abdoulaye Seck and Iliman Ndiaye scored second-half goals as defending champions Senegal beat Guinea 2-0 in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday to make it three wins from three in Africa Cup of Nations Group C, as both teams advanced to the last-16.

In contrast to what we have seen so far in the Ivory Coast, it was a game of few clear-cut chances with neither side overly committed to attack. It was no surprise when the first goal came from a set-piece before Ndiaye provided a neat finish.

Senegal top the pool with nine points, followed by Cameroon on four as they edged Guinea on goals scored. The latter will also advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Senegal, who have been finalists in the last two editions and won in 2021, had coach Aliou Cisse back in the dugout after he spent the night in hospital with an infection following their victory over Cameroon in their previous match.

Line-ups

Guinea XI: Ibrahim Koné, Antoine Conte, Sylla, Guirassy, Naby Keita, Diawara, Mohamed Camara, Aguibou Camara, Ilaix Moriba, Saïdou Sow, Facinet Conte

Subs: Aly Keita, José Kanté, Diakhaby, Moussa Camara, Mory Konaté, Seydouba Cissé, Mohamed Bayo, Sekou Sylla, Morgan Guilavogui, Ibrahim Diakité, Karim Cissé

Senegal XI: Koulibaly, Nampalys Mendy, Mane, Edouard Mendy, Habib Diallo, Abdoulaye Seck, Sarr, Pape Gueye, Diatta, Ismail Jakobs, Pape Matar Sarr

Subs: Kouyate, Gueye, Mory Diaw, Gomis, F.Toure, Pathé Ciss, Iliman Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Formose Mendy, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, Lamine Camara