Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mane on target as Nigeria seal last-16 spot with win over Tunisia, while Senegal draw with DR Congo in Morocco
STAR strikers Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mane were on target as Nigeria qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage and Senegal edged closer to joining them on Saturday.
Osimhen opened the scoring just before half-time in a 3-2 win over Tunisia in Fes. Nigeria built a three-goal lead before surviving a late rally to secure their place in the last 16.
Victory ensured three-time champions Nigeria became the second nation after Egypt to advance. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman were the other scorers before Tunisia’s late fightback.
Nigeria now have six points in Group C. Tunisia have three points, while Tanzania and Uganda have one each ahead of the final round.
In Tangiers, Mane struck as Senegal came from behind to draw 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cedric Bakambu gave DR Congo the lead just after the hour mark.
Al Nassr forward Mane replied soon after to ensure Senegal stay top of Group D on goal difference. The result keeps both former champions on course for the second round.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said the result was frustrating. “We could have killed the game in the first half, but we didn’t,” he said.
“What I really appreciated was my players’ reaction after conceding — that was a good thing.”
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said he was satisfied with his team’s performance against the best team in Africa.
Benin lie one point behind the top two in Group D after a historic 1-0 victory over Botswana in Rabat. Defender Yohan Roche scored to give Benin a first AFCON win after five previous tournaments without one.
In the day’s other Group C match, Uganda’s Allan Okello missed a late penalty in a 1-1 draw with neighbours Tanzania. Uche Ikpeazu scored a late equaliser for Uganda in Rabat.
