Senegal and Mali Finish Qualifiers on a High Note
Already qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal and Mali closed out their qualifying campaigns on Saturday with convincing victories, ensuring they finish atop their respective groups. Both teams will now turn their attention to preparation for the finals in Egypt this summer, as well as an upcoming friendly clash.
At the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès, the Lions of Teranga faced Madagascar in what was a routine but important match to maintain momentum and confidence. Senegal dominated the proceedings, with Mbaye Niang proving the difference-maker. The Stade Rennais forward opened the scoring in the 27th minute, displaying his trademark pace and clinical finishing. He then doubled the advantage in the 56th minute, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory for Senegal.
The win allowed Senegal to finish first in Group A with a strong record, confirming their status as one of the continent’s favorites ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The team, coached by Aliou Cissé, will now use the brief pause before the finals to fine-tune their tactics and maintain team cohesion, building on the confidence gained from a flawless qualifying campaign.
Mali, meanwhile, enjoyed a similarly successful outing against South Sudan. The Eagles of Mali opened the scoring early, with Kalifa Koulibaly finding the back of the net in the 16th minute. Moussa Djenepo extended Mali’s lead in the 27th minute, showcasing his dynamic presence in midfield and attacking intelligence. The finishing touch came from Adama Traoré, who converted a well-placed chance to seal a comprehensive 3-0 win.
With this victory, Mali finished at the top of Group C, having secured qualification with authority. The performance highlighted the team’s attacking depth and defensive solidity, giving them a boost of confidence ahead of the continental finals. Mali’s coaching staff can now focus on refining strategies and integrating younger players who may play a role in Egypt.
Following these final qualifying matches, both Senegal and Mali have cemented their places as key contenders for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. With their spots in the finals secured, the two sides will meet again on Tuesday in a friendly match, providing an opportunity to test formations and player combinations under competitive conditions. This friendly also offers a chance for both teams to maintain match fitness and fine-tune their squads for the challenges that await in Egypt.
In summary, Senegal and Mali ended their qualifying campaigns on a high note. Senegal’s 2-0 victory over Madagascar and Mali’s 3-0 win against South Sudan not only secured top positions in their groups but also demonstrated the quality and readiness of both teams for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams will now turn their attention to preparation for the finals, confident and focused on making a deep run in Egypt.
