AFCON 2021: Senegal advance to the quarter-finals for the fourth successive time
Sadio Mane scored as Senegal beat nine-man Cape Verde 2-0 in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations, but then was forced off with concussion.
The match in Bafoussam was preceded by a minute’s silence for the victims of the crush at the Olembe Stadium on Monday.
Senegal had topped their group despite scoring once in just three matches, and spurned several more chances in front of goal.
Mane hit the right-hand upright in the first minute, and the Teranga Lions had a man advantage 20 minutes later when Andrade was dismissed following a VAR consultation. He had caught Pape Gueye on the top of the ankle with his studs and his initial yellow was upgraded to red, meaning all five last-16 ties at the tournament have had at least one sending-off.
Tournament organisers of the Confederation of African Football may have questions to answer about their concussion protocols after Vozinha and Mane were both floored in the 53rd minute. The Cape Verde keeper rushed out of his box in an attempt to intercept a long kick downfield by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy, and collided head-first at pace with Mane, who had got to the ball first and headed forward.
After a lengthy stoppage, a clearly groggy Vozinha was about to be substituted but, following a video assistant referee review, deserved to receive Cape Verde’s second red card for his reckless challenge.
Somehow Mane was deemed fit to continue and, after having a shot saved by substitute keeper Marcio Rosa, the forward then broke the deadlock from the resulting corner. After celebrating his goal he lay down on halfway, and before the game restarted he was led off the field.
Two men down, Cape Verde had few forays forward and Julio Tavares had their best chance with five minutes left but tamely flicked a cross straight at Mendy.
Dieng, who had earlier sent two attempts wide, wrapped up the game from a counter-attack as the islanders pushed for a late equaliser. 2-0 the final score in favour of Senegal.
Senegal will face either Mali or Equatorial Guinea in the last eight on Sunday.
Indeed afcon has a lot to answer about their concussion protocol……the game was lively…it’s like almost all the qualified teams have caught the red card bug…at the end of the day, Senegal wanted the win more.
ššš