Senegal clinches top spot in Group C with victory over Guinea at AFCON
Defending champions Senegal secured the top spot in Group C at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Guinea.
Abdoulaye Seck scored the opening goal with a header from a free-kick, and Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory with a fine low finish in the final minute.
Despite Guinea knowing they would advance to the knockout stages before kick-off, Senegal finished the group stage as the only team with a 100% record.
Senegal will face a third-placed team from Group A or F in the last 16, while Guinea will play against Group A winners Equatorial Guinea in the knockout stage.
The match was marked by its physicality, and tempers flared on several occasions. Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, returning from injury, struggled to make an impact, and Senegal’s Sadio Mane missed a clear chance to open the scoring early in the second half.
However, Seck’s header and Ndiaye’s late goal secured Senegal’s third consecutive group stage victory.
Senegal, led by coach Aliou Cisse, aims to become the first team to retain the AFCON trophy since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010.
The team will face the challenges of the knockout stage as they strive for back-to-back titles.
