Mane’s Late Penalty Earns Senegal Victory Against Rwanda
A Sadio Mane penalty in stoppage time enabled title holders Senegal defeat Rwanda 1-0 in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadioon.
Rwanda succeeded in agreeing to play its home match at the stadium of their opponents, and the victory for the Teranga Lions ensured that the African champions have maximum points after two matches in Group L of the qualifiers for the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
The game was heading for a draw as Rwanda looked to have defended admirably against a resilient Senegal side. However, substitute Saliou Ciss of Senegal was brought down in the penalty area after a careless tackle and the referee awarded a penalty.
With the last kick of the game, Mane converted the penalty to give the defending African champions six out of six points, and put them at the top of their qualifying group.
With the exception of this last-minute mistake by Rwanda, Senegal struggled to break the well-organised defence of their opponents that stood resolute. However, the resilience and determination of the Teranga Lions secured all three points.
: 0-1
With a last-minute goal against Rwanda, Senegal top our 12th group via a Sadio Mane strike #TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 | @FERWAFA | @Fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/0PoBU3ENqx
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 7, 2022
Tuesday’s 2023 AFCON qualification results
Eswatini 1-3 Burkina Faso
Cape Verde 2-0 Togo
Zambia 2-1 Comoros
Rwanda 0-1 Senegal
Chidi Nwoke/CAF.
