Sadio Mane: When Senegal Star Warned AFCON Teams About the Threat of Mali

• Sadio Mane previously warned teams to be wary of Mali
• The Eagles beat South Africa to get off to a perfect start
• Senegal are in Cote d'Ivoire to defend their AFCON title

Senegal started the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title with an emphatic win against neighbours, the Gambia in Group C.

Al-Nassr forward, Sadio Mane delivered an assist as the Teranga Lions strolled to a 3-0 win in Yamoussoukro on Monday night.

Despite being favourites this year, Mane believes Senegal will face some stern tests along the way and hopes they avoid Mali.

The West African minnows got off to a bright start after a masterful second-half performance saw them beat Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

An old video of Mane circulated on social media after the game, showing the 31-year-old listing Mali as a potential AFCON surprise package.

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Mali have been perennial underachievers at the continental championship despite a vast array of talents. Their best performance was in 1972 where they ended up as runners-up, after a 3-2 defeat in the final against Congo.

In the last two AFCON tournaments, the Eagles were eliminated in the Round of 16 and will be aiming to improve their performance in 2023. Mali will next face Tunisia in their second Group E game in Korhogo, per Sky Sports.

Mali cruise to victory against South Africa

Sports Brief previously reported that Mali produced a strong second-half display to beat South Africa in their opening game in Group E.

After an early first-half penalty miss from Percy Tau, Mali took advantage through Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko after the break.

The result, coupled with Namibia's shock win over Tunisia, leaves South Africa facing the prospect of exiting in the group stage again.

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Mane heaps praise on Lamine Camara

Sports Brief also reported on Mane praising Lamine Camara's brace heroics in Senegal's opening-day victory over Gambia at AFCON 2023.

The reigning African champions began the defence of their title in style after making light work of their neighbours in the Group C encounter.

Camara, who plays for FC Metz, was the star of the show as he won the Man of the Match award after Senegal's big win in Yamoussoukro.