Internationals | Pape helps take Senegal to AFCON finals, 125 up for Perisic, joy for Joe

Pape Matar Sarr started again as holders Senegal qualified for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals with 1-0 win in Mozambique on Wednesday.

Earning his 14th cap, Pape played 63 minutes in the 1-0 win at the Estadio do Zimpeto, securing top spot with four wins in four in AFCON qualifying Group L. As expected, they will defend their title in Ivory Coast early next year.

Ivan Perisic reached the 125-cap milestone and played 92 minutes before being substituted in Croatia's 2-0 win against Turkey in UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying at the Timsah Arena, Bursa. In the same Group D, Joe Rodon, currently on loan at Rennes, earned his 35th cap and played a full shift as Wales beat Latvia 1-0 in Cardiff to top the early standings. Pedro Porro picked up his second cap as he started in Spain's 2-0 loss against Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying Group A. He was substituted at half-time at Hampden Park.

In friendly action, Davinson Sanchez was back in the Colombia side for a 2-1 win against Japan in Osaka, his 52nd cap, while Heung-Min Son earned his 110th cap for South Korea in a 2-1 loss against Uruguay in Seoul. Both played 90 minutes, Sonny set up a few chances for Korea, who also had two goals chalked off by VAR.

In South America, Giovani Lo Celso, currently on loan at Villarreal, made his first appearance for Argentina since September as he started their 7-0 win over Curacao. He assisted his side's 20th-minute opener, Lionel Messi's 100th goal for La Albiceleste, before he also provided the key pass as Messi completed his hat-trick in 17 minutes. Cristian Romero was an unused substitute.

Djed Spence, on loan at Rennes, came on in the second half as England Under-21s lost 2-1 against Croatia in a friendly at Craven Cottage. Oliver Skipp was an unused substitute. Meanwhile, Alfie Devine played 90 and Dane Scarlett came off the bench and went close in the second half as England Under-20s drew 1-1 in France.