Liverpool forward Sadio Mane shined in their 3-1 win over Burkina Faso as they advanced to the final of the 2021 African Cup of Nations. The Senegal skipper scored one and assisted one as they rolled over Burkina Faso to make it a back-to-back final appearance for Senegal who also made it to the final in 2019 where they lost to Algeria.
Sadio Mane Shines in Senegal’s 3-1 Win over Burkina Faso
Also, it is the third final appearance in their history in the competition. In an eventful game, VAR ruled out two Senegal penalties, with Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi injured during the events of the first half. And after a goalless first half, Abdou Diallo put Senegal 1-0 in front in the 70th minute of the game after slamming the ball in the back of the net following a goalmouth scramble off a corner.
Six minutes later they doubled the lead as Bamba Dieng made it 2-0 for Senegal as he slotted home a low cross from Sadio Mane. Burkina Faso pulled a goal back with eight minutes left thanks to Ibrahim Toure who finished off a cutback cross from Issa Kabore.
The goal looked like they were trying to initiate a comeback but with three minutes left the player Sadio Mane sealed the win for Senegal, as he raced on to Watford forward Ismaila Sarr’s through pass before chipping Burkina Faso keeper.
It was his 29th goal for his country, taking him level with Henri Camara at the top of their all-time scorer list. Senegal will now face either the Pharaohs of Egypt or Cameroon who are the host in Sunday’s final. Burkina Faso will feature in the third/fourth-place play-off, which has been brought forward a day to Saturday.
