Africa Cup of Nations - Group B
Result: Senegal 2-0 Zimbabwe
Date: 19 January 2017
Venue: Stade de Franceville
Senegal became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations after securing a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe.
Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Knowledge Musona failed to recover from the knock he picked up in the first game and was replaced in the side by Matthew Rusike.
Senegal broke the deadlock after nine minutes as Balde Keita latched onto a pass from Henri Saivet, before teeing up Sadio Mane to tap home his second of the tournament.
The lead was doubled in the 14th minute when Saivet registered his name on the score-sheet with a fine free-kick from 25-yards out.
The Lions of Teranga were in control from the onset, as Zimbabwe could not cope with the Senegalese's pace and power, while the early goals looked to have some effect.
The Warriors managed to carve out a chance just before the break, but Khama Billiat could not get enough power behind his close range strike, which sailed straight to Diallo.
Zimbabwe opted for a double change at the start of the second half as Tendai Ndoro and Evans Rusike replaced Matthew Rusike and Kudakwashe Mahachi.
Despite the offensive change, it was Senegal who nearly extended their lead after 58 minutes through Mame Biram Diouf, but Mukuruva popped up with a fine stop to deny a certain goal.
Zimbabwe went close after 70 minutes as Nyasha Mushwekwi was denied by Diallo, before Billiat curled an effort wide of the upright.
Senegal pushed for more goals in the closing stages, but Mkuruva produced a number of fine saves to deny the likes of Balde Keita and Cheikhou Kouyate.
The Lions of Teranga have now moved to the top of Group B with six points, while Zimbabwe are rooted to the foot of the table.
