Senegal, the reigning champions, secure a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a 3-1 victory against Cameroon in Group C.
Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for Senegal in the 16th minute, and Habib Diallo doubled the lead midway through the second half.
A late header from Jean-Charles Castelletto narrowed the gap, creating a tense finale. Despite George-Kevin Nkoudou missing a free header to equalize, Sadio Mane secured the victory in stoppage time.
Senegal can clinch the top spot in Group C by avoiding defeat in their final group match against Guinea on Tuesday at 17:00 GMT.
Guinea, currently in second place after a 1-0 win over The Gambia on Friday, puts pressure on Cameroon, who will likely need a victory against the Scorpions on Tuesday at 17:00 GMT to advance to the knockout stages.
With one point from two games, the five-time continental champions could still progress as one of the four best third-placed teams, provided they don’t surpass Guinea on goal difference or goals scored.
Andre Onana returned to the goal for Cameroon after missing their 1-1 draw against Guinea on Monday, a decision made following his commitment to play for Manchester United in the Premier League just 24 hours earlier.
However, the 27-year-old goalkeeper arguably faltered in Senegal’s opener, as his attempted clearance punch from a corner was headed back into the box by Pape Matar Sarr. Ismaila Sarr then capitalized by firing into the bottom right-hand corner.
The West Africans extended their lead with a well-executed play in the 71st minute. Diallo found space between Enzo Tchato and Castelletto to finish Ismaila Sarr’s low ball from six yards out.
Cameroon struggled to pose a threat up front for the majority of the match, missing the presence of striker Vincent Aboubakar, the top scorer at the 2021 finals, who was absent due to injury. Additionally, Karl Toko Ekambi was relegated to the bench.
However, the Indomitable Lions came to life in the final 10 minutes, as center-back Castelletto emphatically headed in Olivier Ntcham’s cross following a short corner.
They pushed forward in pursuit of an equalizer, but Nkoudou squandered the best opportunity when he could only redirect another right-wing cross wide at the back post in the 94th minute.
Senegal quickly capitalized on the missed chance, ensuring the victory as former Liverpool forward Mane skillfully placed Idrissa Gana Gueye’s pass into the bottom left-hand corner from just inside the area.
Aliou Cisse, who guided the Teranga Lions to their first Afcon title two years ago, has seen their title defense commence flawlessly as Senegal aims to become the first team to retain the trophy since 2010, when Egypt secured their third consecutive win.