Trailing 2-0 after half an hour, Senegal managed to overturn DR Congo (3-2) to win the Group B "final". In this commando match, Kalidou Koulibaly's teammates showed their experience, their mental strength, but above all their talent, remaining solid despite a poor start and the hostility of the crowd. Effective in both areas, the Lions logically took the upper hand against the Leopards. A crucial victory that propels them to the top of the group, two points ahead of their victim of the day.

 

Edouard Mendy: 6/10

 

After a quiet first quarter of an hour, the Senegalese goalkeeper logically showed his limits in his weak point: kicking. Powerless against Bakambu's goal, he made a mistake on the second by slipping as he was about to intervene. More reassuring after the break, he handled the aerial balls well. A decent match overall.

 

Krépin Diatta: 7/10

 

Very active from the start, he provided a good cross to Nicolas Jackson who missed his header (7th). Technically at ease, he often brought extra numbers, being a midfielder by training. In the second half, he shone in ball control. It was also on his right wing that the winning goal came.

 

Kalidou Koulibaly: 8/10

 

Confident in his interventions, particularly in the 20th minute when he cleared a dangerous ball, the captain was nevertheless eliminated too easily by Bakambu for the first goal (26th). But he made up for it after the break by offering the equalizer to Nicolas Jackson (55th). Defensively strong, he finished the match in command by clearing several hot balls.

 

Abdoulaye Seck: 6/10

 

Starting in central defence in Niakhaté's absence, Seck delivered a solid performance. While not as quick as his teammates, he compensated with excellent positioning. Tough and effective in aerial duels, he provided a good amount of relief for his defense.

 

El Hadji Malick Diouf: 6/10

 

Very offensive at the start, he almost equalized with a cross-shot that hit the bar (29th). He was hard-hitting up front, but he struggled defensively against the dynamic Elia Meschack. Often involved, but lacking accuracy in his crosses and shots, he finished the match well defensively.

 

Idrissa Gana Guèye: 5/10

 

Lined up for his experience, he didn't really bring the creative impact he expected. But his positioning skills and defensive retreats served the team well. His role as a leader also served him well in the final moments of the match. However, he was known to be much more decisive.

 

Pape Guèye: 7/10

 

A good start to the match, but guilty of passivity during the first Congolese goal (26th). Very combative, he revived the Lions by reducing the score after a shot from Iliman Ndiaye hit the post (39th). Less influential after the break, he was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr, decisive with the goal of 3-2 on a cross from Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly (87th).

 

Lamine Camara: 5/10

 

Preferred to Pape Matar Sarr in an attacking role, he lacked impact despite his fine technique and his skills on set pieces. Despite a nice breakthrough in the second half, he failed to be decisive in this match. Replaced by Habib Diarra (64th), who did not contribute much throughout the 25 minutes he spent on the pitch.

 

Iliman Ndiaye: 8/10

 

A superb first half. Powerful and technical, he constantly put the Congolese defense in difficulty. He made it 2-1, his shot hitting the post before being picked out by Pape Guèye (39th minute). Less sharp after the break, but still a threat, he remained a real threat to the Congolese defense.

 

Sadio Mané: 5/10

 

Transparent in the first half, harmless in his ball handling, he did not make a difference despite his experience. Replaced by Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly, author of the decisive cross for Pape Matar Sarr's goal.

 

Nicolas Jackson: 6/10

 

By wasting a huge opportunity to come on, his header going wide, he got off to a very poor start to the match. But he redeemed himself by equalizing with a precise right-footed strike in the box (55th). Replaced by Chérif Ndiaye (77th), powerful but unskillful, he failed to put pressure on the opposing defense.