Senegal captain Sadio Mane successfully led his team to book a place for the round of 16 in their final group C match on Monday. The Liverpool star woke up from a long slumber to score 2 goals in their 3-0 victory against Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
The Lions of Teranga experienced a torrid time in the first half as Kenya remained resilient till the 63rd minute when Ismaila Sarr broke the deadlock by hooking in a cross that Keeper Matasi failed to intercept. Things became easy for Mane and his compatriots after the opening goal.
Nine minutes later, Senegal cleared a corner and released Mane, who drilled the ball past Matasi to put his team two goals ahead. Mane, who was now clinical scored a penalty in the 78th minute after Matasi saved his first penalty in the 27th minute. Mane generally was a big boost to his team.
Sadio Mané vs. Kenya
84% Pass accuracy
3/3 Shots on target
2 Goals
4/6 Dribbles completeNot a vintage performance from the Liverpool man but he was clinical, composed, and efficient when it counted. His first goal was one to make Jürgen Klopp proud.https://t.co/p95NqnTnJx
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) July 2, 2019
According to statistics, the 27-year-old was composed and efficient; he was there when his team needed him most. His first goal was standard and mindboggling. His two goals made him join a group of nine players who have scored 2 goals each in the ongoing tournament.
The race for #AFCON2019 top scorer is heating up 🔥
🔟 players have 2️⃣ goals:
🇩🇿 Adam Ounas
🇧🇯 Mickael Pote
🇨🇩 Cedric Bakambu
🇪🇬 Ahmed El Mohamady
🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah
🇬🇳 Mohamed Yattara
🇰🇪 Michael Olunga
🇲🇬 Carolus Andriamatsinoro
🇸🇳 Sadio Mane
🇺🇬 Emmanuel Okwi pic.twitter.com/qompUG6CQC— Goal (@goal) July 2, 2019
His superb performance earned him the man of the match.
Mané's attitude hmmm that's him getting worked up and throwing hand up in the air! pic.twitter.com/jVUm0NGXG9
— Bonface Osano (@bonfaceosano) July 1, 2019
Mane will now lead his team against Uganda in their round of 16 matches where the winner will proceed to the quarter-finals.
Here is a video for the full match highlights