In a perfectly controlled match, Senegal defeated Benin 3-0 in the third round of Group D. Already qualified before kickoff, the Lions of Teranga, determined to finish in first place, didn't let up. Dominating possession, Senegal were highly efficient in attack. Whether in attack with Sadio Mané and Habib Diallo, or in defense with Édouard Mendy and Abdoulaye Seck, the Lions delivered a near-perfect performance.

 

Édouard Mendy: 7/10

In a match largely dominated by Senegal, Édouard Mendy had a relatively quiet first half. However, he distinguished himself against Benin captain Steve Mounié with a crucial save. In the second half, the Lions' goalkeeper once again produced a superb performance, deflecting a dangerous free kick from Olaitan (74th minute).

 

Krèpin Diatta: 6/10

 

On the right flank, he played with great intelligence. Rarely called upon defensively, the Monaco player took advantage to create attacking overloads. Less successful with his initial set pieces, he finally found Abdoulaye Seck's head for the opening goal. Very active in both penalty areas, he also distinguished himself with a crucial defensive recovery (85th minute). A good match for the former Oslo FA academy player.

 

Kalidou Koulibaly: 5/10

For his 100th cap, Kalidou Koulibaly started the match well alongside Abdoulaye Seck. Solid in the first half, the Lions' captain unfortunately saw his evening take a turn for the worse. Initially booked for a reckless challenge, he was ultimately sent off after a VAR review. A spoiled celebration for the Senegalese stalwart.

 

Abdoulaye Seck: 7/10

 

Starting in place of Moussa Niakhaté, Abdoulaye Seck quickly made his mark by opening the scoring with a powerful header. Solid defensively, the former Casa Sports and Diambars defender effectively neutralized Beninese striker Steve Mounié. Tough and impeccable in his tackles, he delivered a top-level performance and was deservedly named man of the match.

 

El Hadji Malick Diouf: 5/10

 

Starting in place of Ismaïla Jakobs, El Hadji Malick Diouf put in a decent performance. Against a lackluster Benin attack, the West Ham defender was generally untroubled on his flank. Less effective from set pieces, he nevertheless delivered a good cross in the second half. Visibly tired, he struggled towards the end of the match.

 

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 6/10

 

In a match dominated by Senegal, Idrissa Gana Gueye was once again invaluable in midfield. Less involved than in previous matches against Botswana and DR Congo, the Everton midfielder delivered a solid performance. By keeping things simple, he was effective in retaining possession. A satisfying match for the record holder for international caps.

 

Lamine Camara: 3/10

 

In his first start of the tournament, Lamine Camara was fouled frequently early in the match. He struggled to make an impact in midfield. Despite some promising signs in the first half, the Monaco player, quickly booked, had to leave the field injured. He was replaced by Habib Diarra (46th minute), who brought more energy and creativity. The Sunderland player, returning from injury, made a positive impact after coming on.

 

Pape Matar Sarr: 4/10

 

Back in the starting eleven, Pape Matar Sarr wasn't very influential offensively. However, the Tottenham midfielder distinguished himself with his activity in the middle of the park. Aggressive and determined in winning back possession, the former Génération Foot player tried to bring balance to the team. He was replaced by Ismaïl Pathé Ciss (81st minute), who was more aggressive in winning back possession.

Sadio Mané: 6/10

 

Facing his favorite opponent, Sadio Mané got off to a perfect start. Highly effective on his left wing, the Lions' number 10 gave the Benin defense a torrid time. Thanks to his technique and experience, he was a constant threat, often fouled. In fine form, he tore through the opposing defense to provide an assist for Habib Diallo's second goal (62nd minute). He was replaced by Pape Chérif Ndiaye (88th minute), who scored the third goal from the penalty spot after a foul on Ibrahim Mbaye (90+7).

 

Iliman Ndiaye: 5/10

 

Continuing his form from previous outings, Iliman Ndiaye started the match well. Thanks to his technical virtuosity, the Everton player displayed numerous moments of brilliance. Elusive on the ball, he posed a constant threat, but lacked a clinical finish. Replaced by Ibrahim Mbaye (46th minute), who made a convincing and decisive entrance by winning the penalty for the third goal, Ibrahim Mbaye once again proved decisive.

 

Habib Diallo: 6/10

 

Starting in place of Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo once again seized his opportunity. Rarely called upon but highly effective, the FC Metz striker put pressure on the Benin defense. On his first real chance, perfectly set up by Sadio Mané, he showed composure to score the Lions' second goal (62nd minute). He was replaced by Mamadou Sarr (76th minute), who was repositioned in central defense to compensate for Kalidou Koulibaly's sending-off.