AfCON 2012 : Mangane starts with a defeat

One of the favourites of the competition, Senegal started its Africa Cup of Nations very well. Against the Zambia of former Rennais Felix Katongo, Senegal lost 2-1 and confirmed its really average series of friendly games.

Starting at centre-back, Kader Mangane couldn’t prevent the defeat of his team. Zambia made the difference in the opening 20 minutes of the game. First with a goal by Mayuka (12’), abandoned on a set-piece. Then with a second goal from Kalaba (21’), who dribbled his way past the Senegal goalkeeper.
Despite their impressive attacking armada (Niang, Sow, Ba), the Senegal team proved unable to level this tie, even though Dame N’Doye pulled one back with fifteen minutes to go (74’).

A real slap in the face for Senegal, who will have no choice but beat Equatorial Guinea next Wednesday. The organising nation started the tournament perfectly by beating Libya in the final minutes of the game (1-0).