Hard-Fighting Senegal Defeat Burkina Faso to Reach Final of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

• Senegal are through to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after beating Burkina Faso in the semis
• Impressive Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scored a late goal to dash any hope of an equaliser by the Burkinabe
• Diallo and Gueye had put the Teranga Lions ahead midway first half before Blati Traore pulled one back for Burkina Faso, but Mane sealed the win for his side as it ended 3-1

Senegal are through to the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament after putting up a sensational performance to defeat Burkina Faso in the semi-final, Standard reports.

The Teranga Lions who reached the final at the last edition are now a step closer to clinching the most coveted prize in African football.

Goals by Abdou Diallo, Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mane were enough for Senegal to render Blati Troure's effort for Burkina Faso a mere consolation as it ended 3-1 in favour of the Teranga Lions.

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How it went down

The encounter lived up to its pre-match billing as it was practically one of the fiercest contests in the competition this year.

Burkina Faso came close in the 13th minute following a brilliant move from Bande as he nutmegged Koulibaly and got to the byline, before winning a corner for his side, but the danger was cleared.

In the 21st minute, Sadio Mane saw his effort from outside the box saved by Herve Koffi and then Burkina Faso took the initiative again and drive the ball into the Senegal box.

Midway through the first half, Senegal continued to get the most joy through Sadio Mane on the left side dashed the wing and came into the box, but was fended off.

Burkina Faso came close in the 37th minute when Edmond Tapsoba flicked a long ball up to Hassane Bande.

He won it in the air and brought the ball down to Bertrand Traore with his shirt but their final effort was denied by Edouard Mendy leaping across to his right.

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Senegal had a glorious chance from a freekick in the 63rd minute, as Idrissa Gueye whipped it at goal but fired the cross/shot which went well wide of the back post.

Abdou Diallo opened the scoring for the Teranga Lions in the 70th minute having found himself in the six-yard box. He took a touch and poked the ball past the goalkeeper into the back of the net. 1-0 Senegal.

And six minutes later, Sadio Mane deliciously set up Idrissa Gueye who got the final touch and turned the ball into the open goal! 2-0 Senegal.

Four minutes later, Burkina Faso pulled one back after Bertranf Traore drove into the box with the ball and slotted it out wide to Issoufou Dayo on the overlap, as Blati Traore slotted home to make it 1-2.

In the 87th minute, Sadio Mane set off on the counterattack as he was given the ball as he ran in behind the defence before flicking into the net. It ended; Burkina Faso 1-3 Senegal.

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The Teranga Lions will meet the winner of Cameroon vs Egypt semifinal showdown in the final of the tournament.

Tunisia sack coach Kebaier

Sports Brief earlier reported that Tunisia have decided to part ways with head coach Mondher Kebaier after the Carthage Eagles were surprisingly knocked out of the AFCON by Burkina Faso.

Dango Aboubacar Ouattara’s goal on the stroke of half-time was all the West Africans needed to book a spot in the semi-finals at the expense of Tunisia.

The Tunisian FA revealed that coach Mondher Kebaier’s assistant, Jalal Al-Qadri will take temporary charge of the Carthage Eagles until a permanent manager is named.