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Idrissa Gueye congratulates Sadio Mané, sole scorer of the match Uganda-Senegal. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

A team from Senegal, far from being sovereign, defeated Uganda (1-0) in the round of 16 of CAN 2019 thanks to a goal from Sadio Mané. The Liverpool player still missed a penalty once, after a first failure against Kenya. The Lions are still in the quarter and will face the surprising Beninese, Morocco's fallers.

With our special envoy in Cairo,

Senegal avoided the same destiny as Morocco, eliminated with surprise by Benin on penalties (1-1, 4 tab to 1), winning against Uganda (1-0) this Friday 5 July. But the Lions had some cold sweats in a meeting that they have trouble controlling, and especially missing the opportunity to make the break at the right time. At the hour of play, indeed, Senegal, who already led 1-0, missed a penalty by Sadio Mané. The number 10 Lions has already missed two penalties on three attempts since the start of this CAN 2019 . And on that one, it might have been more inspired to leave the ball to a Mbaye Niang who is still chasing his first goal of the competition.

Sadio Mané scored a goal but also missed a penalty for Senegal against Uganda. Amr Abdelllah Dalsh / Reuters

Miya, to no avail

Fortunately the Liverpool player had already put into orbit his team in the 16th minute by opening the scoring. After a very tactical start and hardened by the physical challenge of entry by the Cranes, the Senegalese put themselves on their first action built. On a fast recovery of Henri Saivet, the ball reaches Mbaye Niang who immediately throws Sadio Mané into the depth. The striker is going to win his duel with Denis Onyango from a cross shot from the left.

This goal will not have the merit of launching a meeting always closed with few opportunities, even if Senegal gives the impression of being able to make the difference at any time.

Uganda is struggling to place its attacks and its counterattacking intentions are quickly annihilated by the withdrawal of attackers and opponents. The solution comes on kicks stopped, as on this head of Faruk Miya (30) on corner, which thrills the Senegalese defense. It is also on free kick that the same Miya tries to find the second post of Gomis without success (42).

Uganda coach Sébastien Desabre, accompanied by Abdu Lumala. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

An expected victory ...

At the beginning of the second half, when Sébastien Desabre's team started to play, it was interesting and made the Senegalese run. Abdu Lumala has finally decided to provoke in his hall and has back Youssouf Sabaly and defense of the Lions. The first ten minutes of the second period coincide with the high point of the Cranes, but the revolt is quickly interrupted by Sadio Mané, who gets a penalty on a foul Onyango. The Cranes goalkeeper, already warned, escapes the red card. The rest, we know it. This game will have the merit of leaving alive Ugandans and crying Lions who will tremble to the end.

The essential is made with this short but precious victory, the first in a knockout match since the 2006 CAN and a quarter-final success against Guinea (3-2). Senegal is continuing its adventure. Next opponent: this famous Benin.

READ ► CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

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