The former Watford winger was outstanding for Senegal in their victory over Cameroon on Friday, managing to hold off a late comeback attempt.
Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for Senegal after Andre Onana’s weak punch failed to clear the ball, allowing Sarr to spin in the area and finish with a deflection into the bottom corner. However, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half.
In the second half, Senegal extended their lead with a goal from Habib Diallo, who connected with a well-placed cross in the six-yard box. With time running out, Cameroon managed to pull one back through Jean-Charles Castelletto, who headed the ball into the bottom corner from a short corner routine. Remarkably, this was their first shot on target.
The Indomitable Lions, unfortunately, failed to push forward and salvage a point in the game. Georges-Kevin NKoudou missed a golden opportunity to score a late goal after a fantastic delivery into the box. As a result, Sadio Mane took advantage of the situation and scored a late third goal, securing an impressive victory and confirming qualification to the knockout stages.
Sarr was outstanding throughout the match, scoring a remarkable goal and consistently posing a threat on the flank. His speed and skill repeatedly troubled Cameroon, and he was a dynamic presence whenever he had the ball. Additionally, he provided a brilliant cut-back assist for Diallo’s goal. Sarr’s performance was so impressive that Cameroon resorted to fouling him in an attempt to stop his impact.
Looking beyond Onana is difficult. Although he was caught off guard by the deflection from Sarr’s shot, his weak punch allowed Senegal to create an opportunity and gain an advantage in the game. If he had properly caught the ball before Sarr’s goal, a draw could have been achieved. He was completely unable to prevent Senegal’s second goal, and if he had reacted more athletically, he might have saved Mane’s shot for Senegal’s third goal.
On Tuesday, Senegal will face Guinea, while Cameroon will play against Gambia on the same day. In order to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stages, Cameroon will need to secure a victory.
