YAMOUSSOUKRO, Ivory Coast: Sadio Mané scored late to seal a 3-0 win for defending champion Senegal over Cameroon and safe progress to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage on Friday.

Mané was mobbed by teammates after sweeping within the third purpose within the fifth minute of damage time, capping a powerful efficiency after Ismaïla Sarr scored one purpose and arrange one other for the Lions of Teranga.

Senegal moved to the highest of Group C with successive 3-0 wins and was assured of ending among the many prime two.

Five-time champion Cameroon’s hopes of progress hinge on beating Gambia and hoping for a favor from Senegal towards Guinea of their remaining group video games on Tuesday.

Guinea had one level earlier than its second match towards Gambia later Friday.

Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana began for Cameroon after lacking the staff’s first recreation towards Guinea due to his late arrival. His first vital contribution was to ship an tried cross out of play.

The recreation began with, it appeared, most followers nonetheless attempting to make their means into Charles Konan Banny Stadium.

Senegal’s sturdy begin was rewarded within the sixteenth minute when Sarr turned to fireplace inside the fitting put up after Onana didn’t clear a nook.

Long strains of followers had been nonetheless ready to enter the stadium when the sport paused after half-hour for a cooling break.

When the sport resumed, Senegal remained dominant. Kalidou Koulibaly and his protection snuffed out any alternatives for Cameroon.

Cameroon defender Enzo Tchato have to step in to dam a great probability for Sadio Mané earlier than the break, and Tolo Nouhou produced a tremendous sort out after it to cease Abdou Diallo, who was later booked, ruling him out of Senegal’s remaining group recreation.

Senegal didn’t take pleasure in the identical superiority within the second half, so when Habib Diallo slid in to satisfy Sarr’s low cross within the 71st, it offered reduction for the various Senegalese followers who had by now made their means into the stadium.

Mané gave them additional cause to cheer.

BLUE SHARKS FINISH TOP

Cape Verde grew to become the primary nation to achieve the knockout stage with a snug 3-0 win over Mozambique earlier.

Goals from Bebé, Ryan Mendes, and Kevin Pina gave the Blue Sharks their second win from two video games to complete on prime of Group B above heavyweights Egypt and Ghana with a recreation to spare.

Cape Verde has six factors, adopted by Egypt on two, with Ghana and Mozambique each on one level earlier than the ultimate group video games on Monday. The prime two in every group are assured of progress, whereas the 4 greatest third-place finishers within the six teams additionally undergo.

Cape Verde is enjoying within the Africa Cup for simply the fourth time. The small Atlantic island nation reached the quarterfinals in 2013.

“What we will ship collectively is up there with the most effective of them,” defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes advised The Associated Press earlier than the 2-1 win over Ghana.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer