Defending champions Senegal rescued a point by playing out a 1-1 draw with Congo in their Group D clash decided at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Senegal, who defeated Nigeria in their opening game, struggled and laboured for most parts of the game, while the Congolese created several chances, did well going forward, and duly converted one of their big chances to go in front through Dechan Moussavou, but Joseph Layousse scored a late equalizer to rescue a point for the defending champions.
Congo, who managed to nick a late draw against Sudan in their opening game, left the blocks early. They were creating chances and looking to get their noses in front. Senegal, on the other hand, kept more of the ball, but they rarely threatened Congo goalkeeper Simon Samba.
Barthelemy Ngatsono’s side were quick on the counterattacks, and they drew first blood in the 19th minute. A low cross from the left side from Charles Atipo was bundled home by Dechan Moussavou. It was the AC Leopards winger’s first start and first goal of the competition.
Even after the goal, the CHAN defending champions lacked the urgency and coordination upfront to get themselves going. Congo keeper Samba, helped by his efficient communication and positioning, kept the Teranga Lions at bay. Congo took the lead into the break.
After the interval, the defending champions upped the ante with some purposeful play. Libasse Gueye with their best chance of the game, as he dazzled past a couple of defenders, before firing into the onrushing Samba. Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo changed his attack by sending Fall Seck and Vieux Cisse on for the ineffective Christian Gomis and Moctar Koite.
Eight minutes from time, Senegal worked the ball to the right side of the final third, and substitute Seck’s low cross was beautifully fired home by Josephy Layousse, who was arriving into the six-yard box. In the end, both teams could not be separated as they settled for a share of the spoils.
The point now increase Senegal’s tally to four from two games, while Congo have two points from the same number of matches.
The draw has now thrown the group wide open ahead of the clash between Sudan and Nigeria, set to meet in the night’s kick-off at the same venue in Zanzibar.
