Tournament favourites Senegal produced an emphatic display on Tuesday night, overpowering Benin 3-0 to seal top spot in Group D at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Lions of Teranga asserted their dominance early and were rewarded in the 38th minute when Abdoulaye Seck rose to meet a superb cross, directing a powerful header inside the left post.
Celebrations were briefly halted as referee Samuel Uwikunda signalled for a VAR review amid concerns over a possible handball in the build-up, but the original decision stood and the goal was confirmed.
Senegal continued to control proceedings after the break and doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute. Habib Diallo collected a clever short pass from Sadio Mané inside the box, shifted past his marker and fired an unstoppable effort straight down the middle of the goal to put the result beyond doubt.
The convincing performance was capped off late in the game when Cherif Ndiaye added a third in the 90th minute, smashing the ball into the roof of the net past the outstretched arm of Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
The comprehensive victory confirmed Senegal’s status as Group D winners, confirming their place in the Round of 16.
D.R Congo and Benin finished in second and third places respectively, and are also through to the Round 16 stage.
