Senegal delivered a reminder of their champion credentials as they swept aside Benin 3:0 to close their AFCON 2025 group campaign on 30 December, finishing top of Group D with authority.
For all their early dominance, the breakthrough did not come easily. Benin defended deep and disrupted Senegal’s rhythm, forcing the defending champions to probe patiently. The tension finally broke in the 38th minute, when Abdoulaye Seck rose highest to head home from a set piece, a goal that released both pressure and belief.
The second half tilted decisively in Senegal’s favour. Habib Diallo doubled the advantage shortly after the restart, reacting quickest inside the box to turn in a low delivery from Sadio Mané. Benin’s resistance faded, and Senegal began to manage the game with confidence and composure.
A late penalty, calmly converted by Pape Chérif Ndiaye, completed the scoreline and sealed a dominant night for the Teranga Lions. Three goals, a clean sheet, and a statement finish Senegal head into the knockout stage looking every inch a team built for the latter rounds.
Key point: Senegal showed they can be patient and ruthless, a dangerous combination in knockout football.
