Host nation Senegal defeated Guinea-Bissau 3-1 in the 2019 West Africa Football Union (Wafu) Cup of Nations’ opener at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès on Saturday.
The Teranga Lions capitalized on an error in the 10th minute to register the first goal of the tournament. It was Djibril Gueye who was gifted the ball, took time to round the goalkeeper, had his initial effort cleared off the line but was close enough to ensure the rebound went in.
Assane Mbodji made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark when appeared at the end of a surge down the right-wing to tuck home from close range Balde’s pass.
Four minutes later, Guinea-Bissau introduced Cladio Gomes for Aliou Cassama and the former proved an impact sub by beating two Senegal defenders before halving the scores, 2-1.
Senegal remained in control of the game but had to wait until the 86th minute for Abdoulaye Ba to make it 3-1 after some rapid build-up play.
Hosts Senegal advance to the quarterfinals awaiting the winner of the match between Guinea and Benin which will be played on October 1. Guinea-Bissau, on the other hand, will also be waiting to face the loser of that match in the Plate quarterfinals.
