Senegal’s team thrashed Burkina Faso 3-1 in Yaounde on Wednesday to reach their second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations final, according to Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.
“It demonstrates our momentum.” We knew getting to two consecutive AFCON finals would be difficult, but the most important thing for us now is to go all the way and win it, whoever we face,” Mane stated after scoring the third goal.
Senegal opened the scoring with a Abdou Diallo goal in the 20th minute at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Cameroon’s capital, before Mane set up the second goal for Idrissa Gana Gueye going on to net Senegal’s third goal after Blati Toure had pulled a goal back.
“We were up against a really good Burkina side who caused us a lot of problems,” the Liverpool star added.
“We expected a tough game and it was but we stayed calm and created lots of chances. I think we deserved to win tonight.”
A visibily elated Mane could hide his excitement on his country reaching their second-consecutive final.
“I think you can see on my face how happy I am which is completely normal. I am really proud personally and very happy for myself, my teammates and the country.”
Senegal had lost to Algeria in the 2019 final in Egypt and could play the winner of the Cameroon/ Egypt clash in Sunday’s final at the Olembe Stadium.
Cameroon and Egypt are the most successful nations in AFCON history with 12 titles between them, with Senegal never have won the continental crown.