Defending champions Senegal booked a spot in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Cameroon on Friday evening.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who only joined the Indomitable Lions on Monday, was given a start before the Teranga Lions lined-up with influential skipper Sadio Mane in their front-three.
After a quiet start, the reigning champions got the breakthrough in the 16th minute when Onana came out for a corner and punched it back into play but Ismaila Sarr capitalised to riffle in the bottom-corner.
Sarr reversed the roles late in the second period as he released Habib Diallo in space to take aim and get in an advanced position to double their lead.
The Indomitable Lions grabbed a consolation goal with a little to seven minutes to play when Jean-Carlos Castelletto latched onto a floated delivery in the box to head beyond goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
However, the Teranga Lions finished off the contest and denied the Cameroonians any hope of a comeback as Mane directed a cutback from the right into the bottom-corner right at the death.
Aliou Cisse's men then went on to bag the maximum points to make it two wins from two and in that secured a spot in the knockout stages alongside the Cape Verde Islands.
Cape Verde Islands 3-0 Mozambique
The Cape Verde Islands became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stages after brushing off Mozambique 3-0 in Group B.
Surprisingly, Cape Vede boss Bubista named the match-winner against Ghana in Garry Rodrigues on the bench, but featured potent figures in Ryan Mendes and Bebe up top, whilst Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove once again lined-up at the back for the Mambas.
The Islanders needed a bit of time to get in their stride just after the half-hour mark when Bebe lined-up from 30-yards outside the area and delivered a belter of a strike that gave Hernani Siluane no chance.
Mozambique were unable to grab a route back and instead fell further behind through a finely taken finish from Ryan Mendes five minutes following the resumption.
The Mambas continued on the back-foot amidst the Blue Sharks control and conceded a third when Kevin Pina collected a loose ball from deep around the area and slammed in the top corner.
Given the emphatic display and in ruthlessness in front of goal, the Blue Sharks ensured top spot in the group to advance to the knockout stages following victories from their opening two matches.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!