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Osimhen and Mane starred as Nigeria reached the Africa Cup of Nations last-16, while Senegal, DR Congo and Benin remain in contention after dramatic group stage matches.
Osimhen and Mane led their teams to victory at AFCON (AP)
Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mane delivered once again as Nigeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage and Senegal moved a step closer to joining them.
Osimhen struck just before half-time as Nigeria surged into a commanding three-goal lead against Tunisia in Fes, before clinging on to win 3-2 after a frantic late rally. The victory made the Super Eagles the second team, after Egypt, to secure a last-16 berth.
The Napoli striker was a constant menace, scoring his second goal of the tournament, while captain Wilfred Ndidi netted his first-ever international goal and Ademola Lookman also found the net. Tunisia threatened a dramatic comeback through Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi, but Nigeria held firm to top Group C with six points.
Elsewhere, Senegal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Tangiers, but the result kept the defending champions on course for the knockout stage and top of Group D on goal difference.
Cedric Bakambu put DR Congo ahead just after the hour, capitalising on a rebound after Edouard Mendy’s save. Senegal hit back within eight minutes, sparked by an electric cameo from teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye. The 17-year-old PSG winger burst down the right, forced a save, and Mane was perfectly placed to convert the rebound for his 10th AFCON goal.
“We could have killed the game in the first half,” admitted Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, “but the reaction after conceding was very good.”
Benin boosted their hopes in Group D with a historic 1-0 win over Botswana, defender Yohan Roche scoring their first AFCON victory in five tournament appearances.
In Group C, Uganda and Tanzania played out a 1-1 draw in Rabat. Allan Okello missed a late penalty for Uganda after Uche Ikpeazu’s stoppage-time equaliser cancelled out Simon Msuva’s spot-kick opener for Tanzania.
With one round of group games remaining, Nigeria are safely through, while Senegal, DR Congo and Benin remain locked in a tight battle for progression.
(with AFP inputs)
December 28, 2025, 07:54 IST
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