Liverpool talisman, Sadio Mane’s 87th-minute goal sealed Senegal’s place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final as they survived a late Burkina Faso fight-back to clinch 3-1 resounding victory.
It was a nervy first half which saw tournament favourites Senegal – who have never won AFCON – have two penalty decisions overturned following VAR intervention, with Burkina Faso losing goalkeeper Herve Koffi to injury after the first incident.
All thanks to Paris Saint-Germain’s Abdou Diallo, who broke the deadlock for Senegal on 70 minutes with a smart turn and finish after centre-back partner Kalidou Koulibaly’s bicycle kick, turned an out swinging corner back towards goal. It’s a goalllllllllllll.
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Mane secured the win with three minutes to go as he was put through on goal and lofted the ball over the Burkina Faso substitute goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo.
“We knew it would not be easy, it was a semi-final of the Cup of Nations after all,” said Mane.
“And we were up against a good Burkina Faso team who gave us a lot of problems.
“We were calm and we took our opportunities and I think we deserved this victory,” he added.
Senegal will now face either Cameroon or Egypt in Sunday’s final at 7pm while Burkina Faso will face the loser of Thursday’s semi-final in Saturday’s third-fourth-place play-off, which also kicks off same time.
