AFCON2019: Idrissa Gana on target as Senegal send Benin packing

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Senegal became the first team to book a semi-final berth at the ongoing Africa Cup Of Nations Tournament following a 1-0 win over Benin on Wednesday.

Senegal, chasing their first African crown endure a frustrating afternoon against a well defensively organized Benin. The first half was a dull affair with Benin sitting back in their own half leaving Senegal to do all the attacking.

The plan worked as they restricted Aliou Cisse’s side to a couple of half chances. Sadio Mane and company had nothing to show at the break despite having much of the ball.

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The second half saw the Lions Of Teranga step up their efforts in the search for the elusive opening goal. Ironically, it was Benin who had the first real chance of the game when the Senegalese goalkeeper Alfred Gomis misjudged a simple backpass but luckily for him, the ball trickled out of play.

Senegal would, however, get their deserved lead when Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye Ganablasted the ball into the net from a perfect through ball from Liverpool’s Sadio Mane.

Mane had the ball in the net five minutes later only for the Video Assistant Referee to deny him for offside. It was the first time that the VAR was being used at the Tournament following CAF’s decision to introduce the newest technology in football at the quarter-final stage.

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Benin’s task was made even harder after their star defender Olivier Verdon was sent off for a dubious foul on Sadio Mane with only 8 minutes of play left.

Senegal held on for the win and are now two wins away from conquering Africa or the first time in their history. Benin exit the competition without winning a single match on the course of 90 minutes but will be very proud of the effort they put in.

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