VIDEO:Senegal end Equatorial Guinea's AFCON fairy tale

 

 VIDEO:Senegal end Equatorial Guinea's AFCON fairy tale

Goals from Diedhiou, Kouyate and Sarr send Senegal to AFCON semi-finals

Senegal sealed their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo. Ranked 20th in world rankings, Senegal went into the game as big favourites over Equatorial Guinea, who are ranked 114th, and they didn't allow for a quarter-final upset.

During the first half, Senegal showed more energy and impetus than their rivals. They were rewarded for their dominance with a goal in the 28th minute from Famara Diedhiou, who was assisted by Sadio Mane.

After getting the breakthrough, the Lions of Teranga put their foot down and put Equatorial Guinea under pressure with their composed and controlled performance, as they went in 1-0 up at half time.

Equatorial Guinea started the better of the two from the restart and thought they had a penalty for a handball in the box by defender Kalidou Koulibaly, although it was eventually overturned by VAR. Still, Senegal lost composure as a result and were punished by a well-taken equaliser by Jannick Buyla on 57 minutes, that gave Equatorial Guinea hope of an upset.

Just 10 minutes after the leveller, though, Cheickou Kouyate restored the lead for Senegal before Watford's Ismaila Sarr added a third in the 79th minute to secure the win.

The win sees Senegal progress to the final four of the AFCON, where they'll face Burkina Faso in the semi-final, whilst Equatorial Guinea have their impressive journey in the tournament come to and end