Michael
Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick as Senegal began their qualifying campaign for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 win at home to 10-man Benin in their Group L match at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio on Saturday.
The reigning AFCON champions raced into a two-goal lead midway through the first half with Mane opening the scoring through a penalty in the 10th minute before doubling his tally 12 minutes later.
Benin midfielder Sessi D’Almeida was sent off six minutes into the second half and Mane added a third from the spot on the hour mark for a 3-0 lead.
Mane’s goals meant he became Senegal’s all-time leading scorer moving ahead of former Wigan forward Henri Camara who netted 29 times in 99 matches.
Mane’s feat is more impressive as he broke the record in 90 matches compared to Camara’s tally in 99 matches.
Benin did manage to grab a consolation late in the game through substitute Junior Olaitan.
