By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Super Star, Sadio Mane’s late third goal helped the Terranga Lions of Senega beat Burkina Faso 3-1
to qualify for the final of the 2021
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The victory in Wednesday’s first semi final match of 2021 AFCON in Cameroon also qualified Senegal for her second consecutive final in the biennial competition having played in the 2019 edition in Egypt where they lost by a lone goal to Algeria.
Senegal qualifying to the final was well deserved conceding just twice while breaching the defence of their oppositions nine times.
A tense match, which saw two Senegal penalties overturned by VAR, burst into life in the second half as Abdou Diallo prodded his side in front from a corner as he shot home in the 70th minute for the first goal.
Also, a strike from Bamba Dieng doubled Senegal’s lead six minutes later but Blati Toure pulled a goal back for the Burkinabes to make it 2-1 in the 82nd minute.
However, a mix-up by two Burkina Faso players in the center of the field turned the ball over and Mane added a final flourish with the breakaway goal five minutes later to restore Senegal’s two-goal advantage as their quality triumphed over a gallant Burkinabe outfit.
Senegal, who were runners-up at the last edition in 2019, will meet hosts Cameroon or Egypt in the final at Olembe stadium in Yaounde on Sunday just as Burkina Faso will clash with the loser of the match between Egypt and Cameroon on Saturday.
