Mane sets up goal as Senegal book Afcon semis spot by beating Equatorial Guinea

SADIO MANE’S Senegal booked their place within the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a snug 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea.

And though Mane didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, the Liverpool ahead helped get the ball rolling with a wonderful move to arrange Famara Diedhiou for the opener.

He was solely given the all-clear to play towards Equatorial Guinea yesterday after being hospitalised by a head harm that he picked up towards Cape Verde.

Mane picked up the ball between the traces, earlier than sliding a move behind the Equatorial Guinea backline for Diedhiou to run on to.

And the previous Bristol Metropolis man stored his cool to calmly slot previous Jesus Owono along with his left foot simply earlier than the half hour mark.

Underdogs Equatorial Guinea hit again within the second half although, levelling issues up due to a exact end from Jannick Buyla Sam.

He did effectively to regulate a ball fired into his toes from Pablo Ganet, discovering the underside nook along with his second contact previous the outstretched hand of Edouard Mendy on 57 minutes.

Equatorial Guinea weren’t degree for lengthy although, as Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate restored the Senegal lead simply over ten minutes later.

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The objective was all Equatorial Guinea’s personal doing although, as a surprising defensive header fell proper within the path of the substitute Kouyate, who made no mistake to hook the ball into the again of the online from shut vary.

And Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, additionally a substitute, made the sport secure with 11 minutes to play.

A protracted diagonal ball was expertly introduced down on the left by Saliou Ciss, who squared throughout to Sarr from the byline, leaving his team-mate with a tap-in from ten yards.

It’s the primary time Senegal have scored greater than two targets within the competitors, as one of many pre-tournament favourites begin to discover type at precisely the appropriate time.

They meet minnows Burkina Faso in Wednesday’s Afcon semi-final, and shall be sizzling favourites to safe their place within the remaining, set for Sunday.

Mane’s Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah additionally booked a spot within the final 4 of the event right this moment.

Salah netted in his nation’s quarter-final victory – a 2-1 win over Morocco after extra-time.

Egypt now tackle event hosts Cameroon on Thursday in a heavyweight semi-final tie.

It means the 2 Liverpool stars may find yourself going head-to-head for the trophy in Sunday’s Afcon remaining, in what might be a conflict of the titans between two of the world’s finest gamers.

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