Sadio Mané made his return to the Senegal national team and scored a goal as the Lions of Teranga marched to a dominant 5-1 victory over Mozambique on Friday in a Group L clash from 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Youssouf Sabaly, Boulaye Dia and Habib Diallo joined Mané on the score sheet and Iliman Ndiaye scored his first international goal to keep Senegal perfect atop the group with nine points from three matches. Mozambique remain in second position on four points and will be eager to give the African champions their best when the teams meet again on March 28 in Maputo.

Senegal came out the gates strong and opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Right back Sabaly passed into the penalty area and received a return ball from Ndiaye before lashing a strong left footed shot past Mozambique goalkeeper Gion Chande for his first national team goal. Sabaly provided the assist five minutes later when Mané marked his return to the Lions by poking a finish between the legs of Chande to double Senegal’s lead.

Left back Abdallah Ndour created Senegal’s third goal in the 32nd minute by providing a cross for Ndiaye to volley his shot past Chande. Boulaye Dia completed a first half of Senegalese dominance in the 39th minute by following up for an easy finish after his initial effort was saved by Chande.

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde was visibly upset during the first half but his team showed more determination after the halftime break, getting a goal back early in the second half with an excellent header from Gildo after a free kick from captain Domingues was pushed away by Senegal keeper Alfred Gomis. However the hosts found one more goal late on through substitute Diallo who bent down to head in a cross from the right flank.

Source: Panafrican

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