AFCON 2023: Reactions Online After Defending Champions Senegal Cruise Past Guinea in Group C

• Defending AFCON champions, Senegal have beat Guinea 2-0 in Group C
• Aliou Ciee's team won after Abdoulaye Seck and Iliman Ndiaye scored
• Senegal have reached the knockouts as the only side with a perfect run

The defending Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, Senegal once again showcased their prowess by defeating Guinea 2-0 at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro on Tuesday, January 23.

Aliou Cisse’s charges now boast a flawless record of three wins from three in the group stage (Group C) as they head into the knockout round.

A powerful 61st-minute header from Maccabi Haifa defender, Abdoulaye Seck and an injury-time strike by Olympique Marseille forward, Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory for the Teranga Lions.

The reigning AFCON champions are set to face a third-placed team from Groups A, B, or F in the Round of 16 on Monday, January 29, as reported by the BBC.

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Their qualification for the knockout stage was secured on January 19 already after a convincing 3-1 win over Cameroon, featuring goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo, and Sadio Mane.

Even though they lost the game, Guinea have also clinched a spot in the last 16.

The Syli National finished third in the group with 4 points, after drawing 1-1 with Cameroon on January 15 and securing a 1-0 victory against the Gambia four days later at the same venue.

Although Guinea fell short on goal difference, they would be assured of being among the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

Cameroon staged a remarkable comeback to triumph 3-2 over Gambia in the other Group C showdown. Rigobert Song’s team scored twice late in the game, securing a last-16 ticket and, in the process, eliminating Ghana from the competition.

The match in Bouake reached an exhilarating climax, with Ebrima Colley putting the Gambia 2-1 up in the 85th minute, only for Joseph Gomez to concede an own goal.

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Christopher Wooh then netted an added-time goal, sealing a thrilling victory.

Aside from the group winners and runners-up, the top four third-placed teams from the six sections progress to the last 16.

Despite suffering a surprise 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, hosts Ivory Coast can advance if Zambia and Tanzania lose their final Group F matches, as reported by France24.

Mane sets record in Senegal's win over Cameroon

Sports Brief also previously reported that Al-Nassr winger, Mane set a new record with his goal against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

He is the first Senegal player to score in four different AFCON tournaments, having also scored in the 2017, 2019, and 2021 editions of the competition.