Seydou Keïta scored twice as Senegal secured a 5-0 victory over Iraq in a Group D match at the Africa Cup of Nations, according to multiple sources, as the team aims to advance in the tournament. The win, reported by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and confirmed by match officials, marked a decisive turnaround for the 2021 champions, who had struggled in their opening fixtures.
What Happened in the Match?
The match, held at Stade de l’Amitié in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, saw Senegal dominate from the first whistle. Keïta opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, converting a low cross from Idrissa Gueye. The team’s control intensified after halftime, with Pape Gueye adding a second goal in the 58th minute. By the 75th minute, Senegal had extended their lead through a penalty by Sadio Mané, who also assisted on a third goal by Kalidou Koulibaly. The final tally came from a late free-kick by Ismaila Sarr, who completed the rout.
Reports from the CAF’s official match report highlighted Senegal’s 72% possession and 18 shots on target, compared to Iraq’s 12% possession and two shots. The loss marked Iraq’s third consecutive defeat in the group, eliminating them from contention.
Why This Victory Matters
The 5-0 win reinvigorated Senegal’s campaign, positioning them as strong contenders for the group stage. The result came after a 1-1 draw with Ghana and a 0-0 draw with Tunisia, leaving the team in a precarious position. With three points from the win, Senegal now sit second in Group D, trailing only Tunisia on goal difference. A win in their final group match against Ghana would secure their place in the knockout stages.
Congolese referee Dieumerci Mbokani, who officiated the match, noted Senegal’s tactical adjustments. “They changed their formation at halftime, shifting to a 4-3-3, which allowed them to exploit the spaces behind Iraq’s defense,” Mbokani said in a post-match interview.
Key Performers and Tactical Adjustments
Sadio Mané was instrumental, scoring a penalty and delivering a cross for Koulibaly’s goal. His performance mirrored his role in Senegal’s 2021 AFCON triumph, where he was named the tournament’s best forward. Gueye, the team’s midfield anchor, also played a
