It came down to not only the final round of matches, but the final minutes to determine which teams advanced to the semifinals out of Group B on Wednesday. Senegal’s Abu Diop headed home a free kick in the second minute of second half stoppage time to send the Teranga Lions through as group winners courtesy of a 2-1 win over Malawi, when only a minute before they were facing elimination from the competition.
Diop completed his brace on the day following an 11th minute opener, also scored with his head when Malawi keeper Richard Chimbamba failed to connect with a cross from Alfred Gomis. Khuda Muyaba scored the equalizer in the 35th minute for already eliminated Malawi.
Mozambique’s players and coaching staff were celebrating their 1-0 win against Namibia elsewhere, knowing that Melque Melito’s 81st minute winner would be enough to send the Mambas through. Due to the result, the Mambas advanced on head-to-head record with the win helping them to edge out the Brave Warriors.
Highlights of the dramatic moments are below as Senegal and Mozambique clinch advancement out of Group B, with Mozambique set to face Group A winners South Africa in the semifinals while Senegal awaits the second place team in Group A that will be determined later.
Senegal 2-1 Malawi
Mozambique 1-0 Namibia