AFCON 2019: Senegal beat Benin to reach semi-final

Senegal are into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time since 2006 thanks to Idrissa Gueye’s strike against Benin

Mane set up Gueye to score the winning goal in the second half following resolute defending from Benin. 

The Video Assistant Referee system has been introduced from the quarter-final stage and Mane had two goals disallowed for offside after VAR checks.

Benin's Olivier Verdon was sent off near the end for a foul on Gueye.

Benin threatened on rare counter-attacks especially from set-pieces and should have scored the opener in the first half through Pote who flicked the ball from a cross in the 18-yard box but went off target.

Senegal had more possession but did not really create clear chances in the first 45 minutes. 

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute through Gueye. The Everton midfielder started and finished a move which saw Sadio Mane tee up his team-mate to score.

Few minutes later, VAR, ruled out Mane’s goal as the Liverpool man was deemed to have been in an offside position.

Diagne and Mane carved Benin defence open once again but could not double the lead as Benin goalkeeper and defenders combined to clear the ball.  

The Teranga Lions will come up against the winner between Tunisia and Madagascar.

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