BATA – Africa Cup of Nations favourites Senegal crashed out of the tournament on Wednesday night as they went down 2-1 at the hands of co-hosts Equatorial Guinea, who have secured a place in the quarterfinals on their tournament debut.
Moussa Sows 89th minute strike cancelled out Iban Randys 62nd minute opener, but David Alvarezs 94th minute scorcher ended Senegals dream as they lost 2-1 to Nzalang Nacional.
This crucial Group A clash was dominated by Senegal from the primary stages, with Issiar Dia causing a few nervous moments with his great display on the night.
The co-host were reliant on their 12th man, the crowd, who turned out in numbers to support their home nation.
The match got off to a predictable slow start considering the condition of the pitch. Most of the play was focused in the middle of the field, but Senegal threatened with crosses into the area.
The pitch was still very wet in some areas after the rain that poured down earlier on.
In the 20th minute, Senegal had a great chance as a ball over the top found Papiss Cisse, who chested it down and volleyed on the turn. However, goalkeeper Danilo was up to the task and pushed it over the bar.
Senegal continued to pile on the pressure as they attacked with crosses from the wings, before an ambitious long-range strike forced Danilo into another reflex save with the co-hosts only just hanging in there in the 30th minute.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The sides were still locked at 0-0 at halftime. In the second half Senegal picked up where they left off in the first. They dominated the possession and threatened on the wings.
Equatorial Guinea strung together some promising attacks as the game started to open up. In the 62nd minute, pandemonium erupted in the stands after David Kily’s cross found Iban Randy, who headed home with consummate ease to give the co-hosts the lead and leave Senegal’s AFCON campaign hanging by a thread.
Big chances fell to Senegal as they continued to mount pressure in the aftermath of going behind, but their shots from close range were blocked as the co-hosts defended in numbers.
But Senegal did not have to wait long, as in the 89th minute a free-kick into the penalty area was pounced on by Moussa Sow after an initial block, and he netted from close range to keep his sides AFCON dream alive.
But late drama in Bata saw the co-hosts stun Senegal with a long-range screamer from David Alvarez, who found the back of the net with a powerful strike during the referees additional time.
