Liverpool striker, Sadio Mane scored one and set up another, as Senegal beat Burkina Faso 3-1 to book a spot in AFCON final
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senegal is through to their third Africa Cup of Nations final after Sadio Mane provided an assist and scored a goal to help subdue a determined Burkina Faso team.
The two teams were evenly matched in the first half in terms of ball possession and shots on target, VAR chalked off two Senegal penalties, with Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi injured during the period.
Defender Abdul Diallo opened the scoring for Senegal in the 70th minute after receiving a pass from his fellow center back, Kalidou Koulibaly to make it 1-0 to the Teranga Lions.
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Idrissa Gana Gaye scored Senegals’ second goal 6 minutes later after Sadio pinched possession off a defender and dribbled into the area before feeding him.
Burkina Faso reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 82nd minute after Ibrahim Blati Toure finished an assist from Isaac Kabore, in a move that was started by Bertrand Traorew.
Sadio Mane after receiving a through pass from Ismaila Sarr strides away before calmly chipping the ball over the goalkeeper in the 87th minute to ensure his country head to the Africa Cup of Nations final
Senegal will face either Egypt or hosts Cameroon in Sunday’s final, while Burkina Faso will take part in the third/fourth-place play-off, which has been brought forward a day to Saturday.