Senegal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benin in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, booking their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2006. The Lions of Teranga will now await the winner of the Madagascar-Tunisia clash to determine their next opponent.
Benin, the tournament’s biggest surprise, can leave the pitch with their heads held high. The Squirrels made their first-ever quarter-final appearance in the AFCON, testing Senegal with an organized and aggressive display. For long stretches of the match, they frustrated the Lions of Teranga, maintaining a disciplined defensive shape and even creating dangerous counter-attacks. Yet, their efforts went unrewarded as they were unable to convert several clear opportunities in the first 70 minutes.
Senegal dominated possession and created numerous chances, but breaking down Benin’s well-drilled defensive lines proved challenging. Sadio Mané, a constant threat throughout the match, had two goals disallowed for offside, the first slightly debatable and the second more obvious. He also missed a handful of clear scoring opportunities later in the game, moments that could have eased the pressure on his team. Despite these misses, Senegal’s persistence eventually paid off. Idrissa Gueye orchestrated a superb build-up in the 70th minute, culminating in the decisive goal that ultimately separated the two sides.
After going behind, Benin continued to fight valiantly. Their players maintained intensity, showing great commitment and discipline in defense. However, fatigue began to take its toll after the hour mark, and Senegal gradually found more space to exploit. The Squirrels’ challenge became even harder when Olivier Verdon received a red card in the 84th minute, leaving his team to finish with ten men. This dismissal further eased Senegal’s path to securing the win and highlighted the physical and mental demands of competing at this level for a debutant team.
For Senegal, the victory is a relief but also a reminder of the toughness of this 2019 AFCON. Aliou Cissé’s side has already endured setbacks in the tournament, including a defeat to Algeria in the group stage and multiple injury concerns. Despite these challenges, the Lions of Teranga demonstrated resilience, controlling large periods of the game and creating enough chances to make the result feel less comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
Benin, meanwhile, has nothing to regret. Their debut quarter-final performance showcased their growth, tactical discipline, and the ability to challenge one of Africa’s top teams. The Squirrels will leave Egypt with newfound respect and a historic achievement, having reached the last eight without having won a match in regulation time, proving their effectiveness in penalty shootouts and their collective resilience.
Senegal’s semi-final appearance marks a return to the final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 13-year absence. The Lions of Teranga will now focus on recovery and preparation as they await news of their semi-final opponent, either Tunisia or Madagascar, aiming to extend their journey and challenge for the continental title.
