AFCON day 15: Sadio Mane played with concussion and what about those stunners from Hakimi and Mhango?

Day 15 of the AFCON brought two more games of the knockout stage and both games didn’t disappoint: magnificent goals, plenty of chances, red cards, injuries, VAR… what more do you want? The day started with bad news thou, as the tragedy from Monday’s game with Cameroon and Cape Verde was in the morning headlines. Many players and coaches gave their view on the tragic events, but it was decided that the games will go on, and both matches started with a minute of silence to honor the victims.

Football reacts to Olembe Stadium Cup of Nations tragedy

Senegal embarrassed themselves, as they needed two red cards to get them going. The Lions of Teranga found Cape Verde to be a very capable opponent and if it wasn’t for referee, VAR and two red cards, things would be very difficult for AFCON favorites. Senegal managed to win in the end, courtesy of Sadio Mane, who scored a goal a couple of minutes after suffering a concussion (!) and Dieng, deep in injury time. The Lions of Teranga will face the winner of Mali and Equatorial Guinea, who face each other on Wednesday. Brave Malawi started brilliantly against favorites Morocco, after Mhango scored the goal of the tournament in the 7th minute, but eventually, The Atlas Lions prevailed and scored two goals to overcome and set up a quarter final match with a winner of Egypt – Ivory Coast game.

AFCON 2021: Morocco came from behind to defeat Malawi after Hakimi's stunner

Heroes of the day – Morocco

It’s not brave to name big favorites Morocco the heroes of the day after they won against poor Malawi, but there were only two games played today, and the Flames eventually lost, so they can’t be named heroes. Malawi’s Mhango scored a stunner, but apart from that, they only had another shot on goal, and 25% possession. Too low to be named heroes of the day. Cape Verde played really good against a strong but gad Senegal team, but they had two red cards and eventually lost, so the only available heroes are Morocco. They came from behind and played well, had 10 shots on goal and should have won with a bigger margin really, but Malawi’s keeper was in a good mood and prevented it.

AFCON2021: Senegal through to quarters after controversy ladden clash with Cape Verde

Losers of the day – Senegal

It’s strange to name the winner of the 1/8 final game a loser, but here is the deal: The Lions of Teranga are one of the favorites to win the tournaments and were huge favorites in this match, and yet, they needed a huge help from the referee to win. Cape Verde were two men down before Senegal finally scored, and what’s even worse, the scorer was Sadio Mane, who suffered a concussion just minutes before, but kept playing for another 12 minutes! And even with 2 men advantage, Senegal managed to score another goal deep in injury time. Not looking good ahead of the quarterfinal match…

Goal of the day (and possibly of the tournament) – Gabadinho Mhango

Yes, we said that yesterday about Youssouf M’Changama’s goal, but hey, this is even better. While Comoros player really scored a beauty from a distance, Mhango’s stunner has more value, because it was not only from 35 meters, it was on the run. A fantastic goal, and we shall all enjoy watching it many times.

Shock of the day – Sadio Mane

Yes, we have seen it many times before – players are injured before or during the match, but still continue to play. And yet, it is always shocking when something like that happens, especially if it’s a concussion. And that’s exactly what happened to Sadio Mane during the Senegal – Cape Verde match. Liverpool ace had a nasty clash of heads with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who was sent off for the incident in the 57th minute. Mane stayed on the field and scored the first goal in the 63rd minute, before eventually being substituted in the 70th minute. Senegal football chiefs will be under serious criticism after not subbing Sadio Mane immediately. Liverpool forward eventually ended up in the hospital.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - LAST 16

Tuesday

Senegal - Cape Verde 2-0 (0-0)

/Sadio Mane 63, Dieng 90+2/

Morocco - Malawi 2-1 (1-1)

/En-Nesyri 45-2, Hakimi 70 - Mhango 7/

Wednesday

19:00: (2.30) Ivory Coast (3.05) Egypt (3.80)

22:00: (1.63) Mali (3.50) Equatorial Guinea (7.75)