Sadio Mane scored twice as Senegal eased to a Group C victory over Kenya and booked their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward had a first-half penalty saved by Kenya keeper Patrick Matasi, before adding to Ismaila Sarr’s volley with a placed effort.
Mane then converted a second spot-kick after Philemon Otieno was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Sarr late on.
Senegal face Uganda in the last 16 on 5 July.
Kenya could still qualify as one of the best four third-placed teams, depending on the results in the final games in Group E and F.
However, Monday’s result means DR Congo definitely qualify from Group A with a superior goal difference.
It all came good in the end for Senegal after a poor first half. Their display in the second period, led by Mane, was a fine way to answer the pre-match accusation by Kenya head coach Sebastien Migne that they lacked mental strength.
Aliou Cisse’s players didn’t play their best football but there were positives, such as the return of Everton’s Idrissa Gueye, which gave them more balance in the midfield.
Billed as one of the favourites for the tournament, they’ll still need to up their game and they could pay the price if they make similar sloppy mistakes during the knockout stages.
As for Kenya, they were never in control and rarely threatened – and now have to wait for 24 hours to see if they’ll be staying in Egypt for the last 16.
