Sadio Mane Sets Incredible Record with Senegal After AFCON Hat Trick Against Benin

Sadio Mane Sets Incredible Record with Senegal After AFCON Hat Trick Against Benin

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:04 PM
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  • Sadio Mane has become Senegal's highest-scoring footballer following his starring role in his side's 3-1 over Benin
  • The Liverpool forward netted a hat-trick during the AFCON qualifier clash to take his tally for Senegal to 32 goals
  • The feat saw him leapfrog Henri Camara to become the country's top goalscorer in international football
  • Mane will be hoping to add to his tally in the upcoming matches of the qualifiers as he goes strong with the national team

Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane has set an incredible record for Senegal after playing an influential role in his nation's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier clash against Benin.

Mane was in the best form of his life during the Saturday, June 4, clash staged in Dakar as he netted a hat-trick to help Senegal kick off their AFCON qualifiers campaign on a bright note.

Sadio Mane holds the AFCON trophy prior to the ceremony after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 final football match between Senegal and Egypt. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU.
Sadio Mane holds the AFCON trophy prior to the ceremony after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 final football match between Senegal and Egypt. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU.
Source: Getty Images

The Bayern Munich target broke the tie's deadlock within 12 minutes of action from the penalty spot after David Kiki was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area.

Mane doubled his side's advantage 10 minutes later as he drilled Nampalys Mendy's assist past a helpless Saturnin Allagbe who was in goal for Benin.

The Sun reports things went from bad to worse for the visitors as their hopes for a comeback were dented after Sessi D'Almeida was shown a red card shortly after the break for dangerous play against Mane.

The Liverpool forward put the game beyond the Squirrels at the hour mark as he completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Ismaila Sarr was fouled in the area.

Benin managed to score a consolation with just two minutes left on the clock through Junior Olaitan who came off the bench to get his name on the scoresheet.

Sadio Mane becomes Senegal's all-time top scorer

Goal reports Mane's treble against Benin saw him ink his name in history books as he became Senegal's all-time top scorer in international football history.

The record was held by Henri Camara who made 99 appearances for the reigning Africa Cup of Nations Champions between 1999 to 2008.

Prior to the Benin clash, Mane had 29 international goals for the Lions of Teranga, a feat that had him on level with Camara who also scored 29 goals during his time with the team.

Mane's hat-trick eventually fired him on top of the charts with 32 goals to his name and will be looking to add to his tally in the upcoming matches.

Liverpool in danger of losing 13 players this summer

Earlier, Sports Brief reported a mass exodus is looming at Liverpool this summer that could see more than 10 players depart the club.

Sadio Mane and James Milner headline a list of players projected to dump the Merseyside club in the coming weeks.

Mane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, with reports suggesting he has already agreed a three-year deal to join the Bavarians.

Authors
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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.