Osimhen and Mané Net Goals as Nigeria Secure Qualification, Senegal Share Points
Prominent forwards Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mané found the net on Saturday, helping Nigeria advance to the knockout rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, while Senegal moved nearer to progressing alongside them.
The Super Eagles took the lead through Osimhen shortly before the interval, extending to a three-goal advantage before holding off a strong finish from Tunisia to triumph 3-2 in Fes.
This success confirmed that the three-time title holders Nigeria joined record seven-time champions Egypt as the second team to book a spot in the last 16.
Mané equalised for Senegal, who recovered from a deficit to finish 1-1 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Tangiers, keeping both past African winners on track for the next stage.
Osimhen troubled the Tunisian defence throughout, netting his second tournament goal and his first in the 2024 edition since the initial group match.
Following an untidy victory in their opener against Tanzania, Nigeria showed better form but faltered towards the end, with Tunisia nearly drawing level twice in stoppage time.
Skipper Wilfred Ndidi marked his debut international strike, and Ademola Lookman added another for Nigeria, prior to Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi pulling goals back for a dramatic finish.
Nigeria lead Group C with six points, Tunisia hold three, and Tanzania plus Uganda have one apiece ahead of Tuesdays concluding fixtures.
Ugandas Allan Okello squandered a late spot-kick, resulting in a 1-1 stalemate for his team against regional rivals Tanzania.
Uche Ikpeazu levelled for the Cranes late on, watched by 10540 spectators at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
Earlier, it seemed Tanzania, without a win in 10 outings over four AFCON appearances, could end their drought when Simon Msuva converted from the penalty.
In Tangiers, Cedric Bakambu put DR Congo ahead just past the hour, yet Al Nassr attacker Mané responded promptly, ensuring Senegal remain atop the group on goal difference with a game left.
The outcome proved somewhat disappointing. We might have wrapped it up before the break, but we failed to do so, noted Senegal manager Pape Thiaw.
Benins Landmark Triumph
What stood out was how my squad bounced back after going behind, that response was positive. Moving forward, we must learn to seal matches sooner.
We shall keep focusing on turning opportunities into scores.
DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre commented: We delivered the performance required to challenge Africas top side.
I urged the team to remain cohesive across attack and defence. I am pleased they achieved that.
Benin sit one point off Senegal and DR Congo in Group D following a 1-0 success over bottom-placed Botswana in Rabat, who have yet to earn a point or find the net.
Centre-back Yohan Roche struck in the 28th minute to deliver Benins inaugural AFCON victory, after five stalemates and 10 defeats in five tournaments since debuting in 2004.
DR Congo aimed to avenge their previous clash, a thrilling loss in World Cup qualifiers last September.
Senegal overturned a 2-0 deficit to prevail 3-2 in Kinshasa, topping their section and clinching a berth at next years North American showpiece.
Thus, DR Congo took runner-up but still eye a World Cup spot via a March play-off in Mexico versus New Caledonia or Jamaica.
Senegal, coming off a 3-0 defeat of Botswana and viewed as a major obstacle to hosts Moroccos title hopes, dominated possession and created more openings.
Still, the Leopards went ahead in the 61st minute as Theo Bongonda, who scored in their opener over Benin, saw a effort from a slick counter saved by Edouard Mendy, allowing Real Betis forward Bakambu to tap in the rebound.
Senegal trailed for just eight minutes, levelling via an excellent burst from young substitute Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger, born in France and capped by them to Under-20, lately pledged to Senegal through parental eligibility.
He came on for Ismaila Sarr post Bakambus goal, and sparked the equaliser with a drive down the flank.
Mbaye evaded Arthur Masuaku, who seemed hurt in the challenge attempt, then had his effort repelled by Lionel Mpasi, but Mané pounced for his 10th AFCON strike.