Senegalese captain Sadio Mane fired his side into the African Cup of Nations final as they beat Burkina Faso 3-1.
Senegal has never won an AFCON trophy, Victory over Burkina Faso would be Senegal’s third continental final.
It was a nervy first half which saw tournament favourites Senegal’s two penalty decisions overturned by VAR with Burkina Faso losing goalkeeper Herve Koffi to injury after the first incident.
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After a goalless first half, Abdou Diallo broke the deadlock for Senegal on 70 mins with an assist from centre-back partner Kalidou Koulibaly’s, Six minutes later, Idrissa Gueye doubled their lead.
Despite Burkina Faso appeared to be out of energy and ideas, Blati Toure pulled one back into life after a double change.
Sadio Mane’s 87th-minute goal ensured Senegal’s place in the Africa Cup of Nations final as they survived a late Burkina Faso fight-back to win 3-1.
“We knew it would not be easy, it was a semi-final of the Cup of Nations after all,” said Mane.Â
“And we were up against a good Burkina Faso team who gave us a lot of problems”.
Senegal will play either Egypt or hosts Cameroon in the final on Sunday. The other semifinal will be played tonight.
Senegal are the highest ranked side in Africa. They are 20th in FIFA’s global rankings.
