AFCON 2017: Senegal qualifies to quarters as favourite Algeria crumbles

Senegal became the first team to book a place in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after beating Zimbabwe 2-1 on Thursday in Group B.

It was their second win at the tournament after beating Tunisia 2-0 in their opening game. Liverpool talisman Sadio Mané opened the score in the 9th minute with Saint-Étienne’s Henri Saivet doubling the lead four minutes later.

The Warriors could not replicate their first game performance at the Stade de Franveville against the Teranga Lions, who are yet to concede at the tournament.

Earlier on in the day, favourites Algeria had their hopes of making it to the next round blighted a little after being beaten 2-1 by Tunisia.

An own goal by Aissa Mandi and a nicely converted penalty by Naïm Sliti felt like the Carthage Eagles had put their first game defeat behind them.

Not even Sofiane Hanni’s goal in injury time could stop the 2004 champions from running away with the maximum points. With Senegal guaranteed a place in the knockout round, it will be a scramble for the other ticket among Tunisia, Algeria and Zimbabwe in Group B on Monday, January 23, when the group’s final games are played.