By Samindra Kent
January 20 – Senegal are the first team to progress to the quarter-finals of the 2017 African Cup of Nations after a commanding 2-0 win against Zimbabwe. The fortunes of favorites Algeria took a dent following a surprise defeat against rivals Tunisia.
In group C Senegal began ferociously against the Warriors and inside the first 15 minutes both Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Newcastle’s Henri Saivet had scored. Mane tapped in a shot across goal from Keita Balde in the ninth minute. Saivet found the net with a delightful free kick in the 14th minute.
From that moment on Senegal never looked like relinquishing their lead. They should have scored more, but were wasteful with their chances. Stoke striker Mame Biram Diouf lacked composure in front of goal.
In their opening game Senegal had beaten Tunisia 2-0. The Lions of Teranga are the only team to have won both their games so far. The victory against Zimbabwe ensured the three points and qualification for the knockout phase.
The team of coach Aliou Cissé has never won the tournament, but has made a statement with its overpowering displays. The other favorites Ivory Coast and Algeria have not impressed. The Desert Foxes are in a tricky spot after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tunisia.
Leicester City’s Rihad Mahrez had bailed Algeria out against Zimbabwe, but in the North African derby the Algerian defense proved to be weak. Belgian coach George Leekens, who was appointed recently, will be under immense pressure to steer Algeria clear from an embarrassing first round exit.
The hosts will be hoping to avoid that same fate on Sunday when they play Cameroon in their last group game. Gabon are on two points following consecutive 1-1 draws with Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso respectively. The team coached by José Antonio Camacho has so far failed to click. Their poor run comes against a backdrop of political tensions in the host country as the opposition battles the Bongo dynasty.
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