Guinea 0-2 Senegal: Defending Champions defeat Guinea to win Group C with perfect record

Senegal defeated Guinea 2-0 in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday, making it three wins from three in Africa Cup of Nations Group C, with Abdoulaye Seck and Iliman Ndiaye scoring in the second half. Both teams advanced to the last 16.

In contrast to previous games in the Ivory Coast, there were few clear-cut chances, and neither side was overly committed to attacking. It was no surprise that Seck's opener came from a set-piece before Ndiaye finished nicely.

Senegal leads the pool with nine points, followed by Cameroon with four, edging Guinea in goals scored. The latter will also advance as one of the top third-placed teams.

Senegal, who have been finalists in the last two editions and won in 2021, welcomed coach Aliou Cisse back to the dugout after spending the night in the hospital with an infection following their previous victory over Cameroon.

Senegal scored with their only two attempts on goal, while Guinea had only one, a late effort that forced a good save from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Cisse will be pleased that his team produced another strong defensive performance, conceding only once in the pool stages while scoring eight goals.

Sadio Mane had an off day, but he had a great chance to break the deadlock just before the hour mark when he raced clear on goal, rounded Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone, but skewed his shot at an empty net horribly wide.

It was a goal the 31-year-old expected to score, and he looked surprised that he couldn't find the back of the net.

Senegal didn't have to wait much longer for the opener, as Seck stole a march on Guinea's defence from a Krepin Diatta free kick and powerfully headed into the net on 61 minutes.

Mane thought he had a second in the final ten minutes, but he was clearly offside, and the goal was ruled out, before substitute Ndiaye found a yard of space in the box and coolly doubled Senegal's lead.

SportsLigue