Senegal thrashed Kenya 3-0 in their 2019, Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group C match at the 30 June Stadium in Egypt on Monday night.
The victory saw the Lions of Teranga advance to the Round of 16 as runners-up, while the Harambee Stars could still go through as one of the four best third-placed teams.
The match got off to a lively start and Patrick Matasi was a busy man in the Harambee Stars goal-posts, as the Lions of Teranga searched for the opening goal.
The Kenya goalkeeper was called into action by Idrissa Gana Gueye in the 23rd minute following a good move by Senegal.
The Everton FC midfielder received a cross inside the box and fired a shot towards Matasi, who made a magnificent reflex save to deny the West Africans.
Senegal were then awarded a penalty after Abud Omar had hacked down Saliou Ciss in the box just before the half-hour mark.
Sadio Mane then stepped up and he was denied by Matasi, who pulled off a brilliant low save to deny the Liverpool FC forward from the spot-kick.
The Harambee Stars then contained the Lions of Teranga and the score was 0-0 at the interval.
The Lions of Teranga continued their dominance after the restart, but Matasi was having a good game as he made more great saves.
The Ethiopia-based shot-stopper was well-positioned to save Henri Saivet’s long-range shot, before making another save from Mbaye Niang’s shot.
Kenya did threaten through Dennis Odhiambo, whose thunderous long-range shot was pushed over the crossbar by Senegal keeper Alfred Gomis in the 62nd minute.
However, Senegal finally broke the deadlock a minute later when Ismaila Sarr scored with a beautiful volley to make it 1-0 to Senegal.
The momentum was with Senegal, who then made it 2-0 through Mane after he beat his marker for strength and pace, before firing past Matasi with 19 minutes left.
Pressure mounted on the Harambee Stars defence and they conceded a penalty when Philemon Otieno fouled Sarr and he was shown a second yellow and sent off.
Mane then stepped up and this time, he beat Matasi from the spot-kick to make it 3-0 to Senegal in the 78th minute.
Kenya tried to push for a late consolation goal, but Senegal stood firm at the back and the Lions of Teranga emerged 3-0 winners on the night.
Kenya 0
Senegal (0) 3 (Sarr 63′, Mane 71′, 78′)
Kenya: Matasi, Otieno, Mohammed, Okumu, Khamis, Wanyama, Omolo, Ouma Otieno, Odhiambo (Avire 75′), Masika (Oginga 81′), Olunga.
Senegal: Gomis, Gassama, Koulibaly, Kouyate, Ciss, Gueye (Diatta 80′), Badou N’Diaye, Saivet, Mane, Sarr, Niang (Konate 75′).
Article culled from SuperSports
