Senegal managed to beat Cape Verde 2-0 in a match that was marked by two red cards in the last 16 of the 2021 African Cup of Nations at the Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam, Cameroon, Tuesday (25/1).
Senegal, which contains several players who have strengthened Europe’s top clubs, dominated the game. Several chances were created by Aliou Cisse’s team but did not end in a goal.
In a depressed situation, Cape Verde must accept the harsh reality. Patrick Andrade was given a red card by the referee for making a hard tackle on Pape Gueye in the 21st minute.
Senegal was increasingly free to dominate the game after Cape Verde played with 10 men. However, only one chance was created through Pape Gueye which has yet to bear a goal.
In the second half Cape Verde was in an increasingly difficult situation. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was deemed to have violated Sadio Mane and made the referee issue a second red card for the team nicknamed the Blue Shark in the 57th minute.
Playing with 9 players, Cape Verde was finally unable to stem the pressure that was being launched by Senegal. The Cape Verde goal was finally broken by Sadio Mane.
Mane’s shot which was directed into the left corner managed to shake the Cape Verde goal. The score was changed to 1-0.
Senegal could then increase the score to 2-0 in the second half of injury time. Substitute Bamba Dieng broke into Cape Verde’s goal with a shot from inside the penalty box.
The 2-0 score for Senegal’s victory over Cape Verde lasted until the game was over. This victory takes Senegal through to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals to meet the winner of the Mali vs Equatorial Guinea match on Wednesday (26/1).
Senegal star Sadio Mane suffered a head injury in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 match against Cape Verde. After being rushed to the hospital, Mane said he was in good condition.
Mane collided with Vozinha in the 53rd minute. Mane had time to continue the game until finally pulled out in the 70th minute.
The Liverpool striker was then rushed to hospital for further checks. After undergoing an examination, Mane then gave the news that he was not experiencing serious problems.
“Alhamdulillah, everything is fine. Thank you for all of your messages [of support],” Mane wrote on his Instagram account.
Mane also took a photo with Vozinha who was also in the hospital. Mane then joked by annotating that Senegal vs Cape Verde continued in hospital.
