Mane clutches for Senegal in dramatic win over Malawi
10/15/2024 10:34 AM
Senegal star Sadio Mane showcased his class in his nation's latest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignment after the Lions of Teranga bagged a 1-0 win against Malawi at the Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Senegal looked during the first 10 minutes of the game, while no real scoring opportunities were produced by both teams during this period.
Kalidou Koulibaly came produced one of the first attempts at goal in the 18th minute as the center-back rose highest at a corner situation. Let down by the missed attempt, Koulibaly's header went wide of the mark after a telling ball into the area by El Hadji Diouf.
The Lions of Teranga continued to pile on the pressure as the half progressed with the likes of Moussa Niakhaté and Sadio Mane increasing the attempts at goal tally midway through the first-half.
Diouf, along with Formose Mendy looked dangerous for Senegal after the restart while Patrick Mwaungulu produced a rare shot at goal for Malawi early on.
Senegal began to mount on the pressure after the hour mark as the likes of Pape Gueye, Nicolas Jackson and Boulaye Dia produced scoring chances in quick succession.
In search of inspiration, Sadio Mane attempted to have a go at goal with a left-footed shot inside the box in the 80th minute, however the veteran attacker missed from the mark.
Nonetheless, Mane had the last laugh in the encounter after scoring from a direct free-kick in the 96th minute of the tie. With the game blown off in Senegal's favour, Mane and company have officially booked their spot in next year's showpiece.
Malawi: (0) 0
Senegal: (0) 1 (Mane 96')
Malawi: Thole, Lameck, Mwase, Chembezi, Silwimba, Mpinganjira, Njaliwa, J.Banda, Nkhoma (Aaron 67'), Kaonga (Mphasi 67'), Mwaungulu (Saizu 84')
Senegal: Dieng, Diouf, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Mendy, Diarra (Ndiaye 59'), I.Gueye (P.Gueye 60'), Mane, Sarr, Dia (Sarr 70'), Jackson (Diallo 70')
