In a thrilling display of skill, Sadio Mané's late goal sealed a resounding 3-0 victory for defending champion Senegal against Cameroon, solidifying their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage.
Mané's dramatic goal in injury time, coupled with Ismaïla Sarr's earlier contribution, showcased the Lions of Teranga's dominance, propelling them to the top of Group C with consecutive 3-0 wins.
Five-time champion Cameroon's fate now hangs in the balance, relying on a victory against Gambia and hoping for Senegal's support against Guinea in their final group matches on Tuesday.
Despite Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana's return for Cameroon, Senegal's strong start, marked by Sarr's 16th-minute goal, set the tone for the match. The game briefly paused for a cooling break, yet Senegal's dominance persisted, with Kalidou Koulibaly leading a stalwart defense.
The second half saw Senegal face a more resilient Cameroon, but relief came in the 71st minute when Habib Diallo met Sarr's cross. Mane's subsequent goal fueled the cheers of Senegalese fans, marking an outstanding victory.
In a remarkable feat, Cape Verde secured the first spot in the knockout stage with a convincing 3-0 win over Mozambique.
Goals from Bebé, Ryan Mendes, and Kevin Pina propelled the Blue Sharks to the top of Group B, surpassing heavyweights Egypt and Ghana. With six points from two games, Cape Verde's success adds a thrilling chapter to their fourth appearance in the Africa Cup.
As they head to the knockout stage, Cape Verde's achievement highlights their prowess in a tournament where they reached the quarterfinals in 2013, showcasing their determination to make a mark on the African football stage.