Senegal’s Sadio Mane converted a seven-minute penalty into stoppage time to steer pre-tournament favorites to a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Baphosam on Monday.
Zimbabwe defender Kelvin Madzongwe was penalized for blocking a shot from his hand away from his body in the penalty area, in a heart-wrenching turn of events for his side as they entered Group B action. were upset.
Senegal are Africa’s top-ranked team but had only 18 players available for their opening group match due to the novel coronavirus and injury and produced a weak performance despite the possession of a Lion and opportunities.
Senegal’s Boule Diya beat Zimbabwe’s goal wide shot after 40 seconds, suggesting the match may have been a one-sided affair. However, it proved to be anything but Zimbabwe who came within seconds of an unexpected point.
Mane was making an enterprising move to the left, which stunned two defenders, but then shot his angled effort directly at goalkeeper Petros Mhari in the 24th minute.
Captain Idrisa Guay had made a best effort for Senegal seven minutes before halftime, just hitting the goalkeeper, but her first touch was too heavy as she stabilized herself for a shot and the opportunity was lost. .
Senegalese defender Abdu Diallo came close for about 20 minutes with a dominant effort from a free kick, placing it just above the crossbar.
Zimbabwe had a handful of counter-attack chances and set piece chances, the best of which was wasted by their captain, Knowledge Musona, swimming to the top.
He was threatened with expulsion before the tournament by FIFA, who warned of a ban after the government dissolved the Zimbabwe Football Association following allegations of fraud, but the deadline to reinstate the association’s executive passed without action. It’s over
Guinea and Malawi also meet later on Monday in the second Group B match at Baphosam.
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