This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 1, 2019, Kenya's Harambee Stars faced off against Senegal's Teranga Lions in a crucial Group C match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. The match would prove to be a turning point in Kenya's campaign, as they ultimately fell short of qualifying for the last 16.
Senegal, ranked as Africa's top team, dominated the match from the start. In the 62nd minute, Ismaila Sarr scored the opening goal, firmly planting his half volley into the net after Kenya failed to clear a cross in their area.
Just nine minutes later, Sadio Mane scored his first goal of the match, coolly rolling the ball into the net after stealing away with the ball from Kenya's defenders. Mane's second goal came in the 71st minute, as he stole away with the ball to roll it into the net after Kenya failed to deal with a long ball from infield.
Kenya's goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi, had a standout performance in the first half, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. However, the tide turned in Senegal's favor after the opening goal, and they went on to secure a convincing 3-0 victory.
Kenya's Philemon Otieno was sent off in the 76th minute for a second bookable offense, and Mane stepped up to bury the penalty kick to close out the game.
Despite the loss, Kenya still had a glimmer of hope to qualify for the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, depending on the outcome of Group E and Group F matches on Tuesday.
