There was late drama in the Group B opener as Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe on Monday afternoon.
Result: Senegal 1-0 Zimbabwe
Date: 10 January 2022
Venue: Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam
Senegal were without nine players due to Covid-19, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, while for Zimbabwe, Onismor Bhasera, Ishmael Wadi and Knowledge Musona were handed starts.
The Lions of Teranga nearly got off to a flying start in the opening seconds when Bouna Sarr slammed a low pass outside the area from Mane narrowly wide of the bottom-corner.
Zimbabwe were on the ropes again with over 20 minutes played and saw Mane drift in-field from out wide to bring Petros Mhari to a low save with a teasing right-footed shot.
Norman Mapeza's men started to come alive just after the half-hour mark following a nervous opening and flashed a free-kick from close-range by Musona narrowly over the top.
Senegal should've had the lead in the last eight minutes of the half through captain Idrissa Gana Gueye, but he was unable to bring Mane's square pass under control.
Senegal entered the second half still in the ascendancy and missed out on the lead when Pape Abou Cisse headed over from a corner-kick, as Zimbabwe brought on Tido Kadewere for Prince Dube.
Further chances from a free-kick this time came for Senegal midway in the second half where Abdou Diallo rose high from a clouded six-yard area to nod over from a promising position.
A strong finish loomed for the Warriors inside the closing quarter, as Teenage Hadebe nearly stabbed home a free-kick by Wadi with the Teranga Lions caught square.
The last say though belonged to Senegal when Kelvin Madzongwe gave away a penalty in the last seconds after he was deemed to have handled ball in the area, with Mane stepping up to convert for their win.
