[Kofi Addae, GNA Special Correspondent in Bata, Equatorial Guinea]
Bata, Jan. 30, GNA – Libya ended their campaign at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations on a high note with a 2-1 win over Senegal in their ultimate Group A match on Sunday in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
The win was, however, not enough for the Libyans to qualify to the next stage after Zambia also humbled co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in the other Group A encounter in Malabo. The result marked a disastrous outing for the Senegalese who ended the competition without a point to equal one of their worst outings in recent times.
Senegal were hoping to bow out with at least a point but failed again as their nightmare at the tournament continued. Coach Amara Traore made changes in his squad with veterans Omar Daf, Souleymane Camara and Papa Diakhate and they justified their inclusion with fine displays in the opening minutes of the game. By the fifth minute mark, Libya were up through Ihab Albusaifi who slammed home from close range.
The lead lasted for just five minutes as Senegal rallied back through Ndiaye Deme Ndiaye, who headed home from a corner-kick.
The game remained balance with Senegal attacking through Camara after Demba Ba was rendered a passenger in the game. On 32 minutes, Senegal were unlucky as Camara’s goal bound shot was parried out by Libya goalie Samir Abod.
Traore introduced Pappis Dema Cisse, Moussa Sow and Issiar Dia in the second half but still lacked the cutting edge upfront to make any impact. Libya showed the maximum points was up for the taking with the second goal five minutes from time through Albusaifi for his second of the game.
Zambia topped the group with seven points followed by Equatorial Guinea on six points, Libya on four points with Senegal pointless.
