Sadio Mane to Miss AFCON Opener

Senegal have suffered a setback before the opening Group C match next Sunday at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Key striker Sadio Mane will miss the opening game against Tanzania after accruing two yellow cards in the qualifiers.

The Confederation of African Football sent a confirmation to the Senegal Football Association stating that the Liverpool star is suspended for the opener.

Mane was booked in Senegal’s 1-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo in November last year and also in a 2-0 victory over Madagascar in March.

Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse, is however spoilt of choices for the Mane’s position as there is Inter Milan forward Keita Balde, Amine’s Moussa Konaote and Rennes star Ismaila Sarr to go for.

“His absence should not in any way bother us,” Cisse said. “Certainly the presence of Sadio is beneficial but without him, we remain strong.”

“CAF has decided, so we will not linger [on the subject].”

“Certainly, with Sadio we would be very good, but even without him we will be very good.”

“We all know that Sadio will have a good Nations Cup [but] the players around him have to raise their level. That’s how we’ll get there.”

After the Tanzania match on 23 June, Senegal meet Algeria four days later before finishing their group-stage campaign against Kenya on 1^st July.