How Senegal Beat Onana’s Cameroon (3-1) To Book Round Of 16 AFCON Spot

In an exhilarating Group B clash at Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, the defending champions, Senegal, displayed their prowess, securing a spot in the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a resounding 3-1 victory over Cameroon.

The goalkeeper for Cameroon, who recently joined Manchester United from Inter Milan, faced a challenging performance. He has conceded 47 goals in 30 club games and a total of 40 goals in 31 games, combining both club and country matches. So far, this season has been demanding for Andre Onana.

Key Moments:

Sarr’s Fortuitous Opener: Former Watford striker Ismaila Sarr provided Senegal with an early lead in the 16th minute. His shot on the turn took a massive deflection off Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, deceiving Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

Diallo Extends the Lead: Ismaila Sarr turned provider in the second half, setting up Habin Diallo in the 71st minute. The Al Shabab striker calmly slotted in Senegal’s second goal, showcasing their attacking prowess.

Cameroon’s Fightback: Despite being down by two goals, Cameroon displayed resilience. Jean-Charles Castelletto capitalized on a short corner to pull one back for Cameroon, raising hopes of a comeback.

Mane Seals the Victory: Senegal’s star player, Sadio Mane, sealed the victory in the referee’s additional time (95th minute). Mane, known for his precision, guided the ball into the net from a brilliant pullback by Gana Gueye, making it 3-1.

Notable Absences and Inclusions:

• Cameroon missed the presence of Vincent Aboubakar, the top scorer in the 2021 edition.
• The inclusion of Andre Onana in Cameroon’s starting lineup garnered attention, as he arrived late in the camp but was given the nod by coach Rigobert Song.

Historical Echoes:

• The match had echoes of the 2002 AFCON final, where Cameroon, led by Samuel Eto’o, emerged victorious on penalties against Senegal.
• The clash also revisited the 2017 encounter, with Cameroon winning on penalties in the quarter-finals before securing the AFCON title.

Senegal’s Dominance:

• Senegal, the favorites to reach the final for the third consecutive time, demonstrated their dominance throughout the match.
• The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon struggled to pose a consistent threat to Senegal’s formidable defense, anchored by players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo.

Mane Punishes Cameroon’s Profligacy:

• Sadio Mane capitalized on Cameroon’s missed opportunities, punishing them with a precise finish in the dying moments of the game.
• Kevin Nkoudou’s late miss for Cameroon emphasized their struggles in front of the goal.

Senegal’s victory sets the stage for their continued journey in the tournament, while Cameroon faces challenges to secure their spot in the knockout stages.