AFCON 2021: Mane On Target As Senegal Beat Zimbabwe

Senegal opened their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a last-minute 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in a Group B encounter.

The Teranga Lions are one of the overwhelming favoUrites to win the competition after losing in the final against Algeria in 2019.

Mendy and two other players were ruled out due to Covid-19, but they were still expected to roll over the Zimbabweans.

The Warriors of Zimbabwe gave them a tough run for their money and their goalkeeper was impressive making a series of saves.

Saido Mane missed a golden opportunity in the first half, while Pape Cisse also headed wide from a good position.

Zimbabwe were also guilty of missing their own chances too but they held on til the closing moments of the game.

Kelvin Madzongue handled the ball while diving in to block a shot with just seconds of added to go and the referee pointed to the spot.

Saido Mane made atone for his earlier miss to send the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Senegal the maximum points.

The Teranga Lions will battle it out with Guinea in their second game of the competition, while Malawi will slug it out with Zimbabwe on Friday.