By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Teranga Lions of Senegal clashed it out with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in what was a game of roaring lions at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Friday, January 19, 2024, which saw Senegal carry the day with a 3-1 victory.
Cameroon took charge of the game in the early minutes as they gave the Senegalese back line some troubling pressure. Senegal, not losing their guard, grew into the game gradually as Sadio Mane dribbled past the defence of Cameroon but was eventually flagged offside.
Senegal’s pressure in the box of Cameroon got them a goal as Cameroon failed to clear a corner, which saw the ball presented to Ismaila Sarr, who calmly slotted the ball past Onana into the net. After going down in the 16th minute, Cameroon began to lose possession easily to Senegal.
Sadio Mane was put through to add to the lead for Senegal, but his effort was denied as Onana came out to clear the ball to avoid any one-on-one chance from the Senegalese star. Senegal eventually ended the first half on a strong note, as Cameroon didn’t give their defence a tough time.
The second half resumed with Cameroon eager to put their first-half average display behind them. Their story couldn’t make a change as Senegal dominated possession with some free-flowing football as they moved the ball from side to side, spreading the passes to annoy their opponents.
Habib Diallo, in the 70th minute, decided to break the hearts of the Indomitable Lions as he scored to put the score at 2-0. The two-goal advantage was cancelled out when Cameroon replied with a goal from Castelletto, who jumped high to head a cross from Ntcham beyond Mendy to make it 2-1.
A few minutes after pulling one back, Cameroon had the opportunity to stage an equaliser, but Nkoudou couldn’t capitalise on a cross from Castelletto.
As Cameroon were going all out to get an equaliser, Senegal had other plans in the 90th minute, as they scored to put the score up to 3-1, preventing Cameroon from causing any upset.
The Teranga Lions now join Cape Verde in the knockout stage having qualified earlier in the day after winning their second group match, beating Mozambique 3-0.