Mane unable to prevent Senegal defeat
Sadio Mane played the full 90 minutes as Senegal were defeated 2-1 by South Africa in World Cup qualifying this afternoon.
The Liverpool forward had a hand in his country’s goal, which came courtesy of Cheikh N’Doye 14 minutes from time, but South Africa clung on to an advantage earned by first-half strikes from Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thulani Serero to claim the three points in Polokwane.
Mane had the game’s first attempt on goal when he headed Balde Diao Keita’s free-kick over in the ninth minute, before the Reds man linked up well with Moussa Konate down the right, only for his teammate to shoot straight at home goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
A controversial penalty decision allowed South Africa skipper Hlatshwayo to give his side the lead from the spot shortly before half-time, and the hosts went in at the break 2-0 up thanks to Serero’s smart finish.
Senegal spurned several presentable opportunities in the second half before N’Doye blasted home from close range after Mane had miscued an overhead kick.
Mane and co then pushed hard for a late equaliser, but South Africa held firm.