Sarr helps Senegal to AFCON knockout stages

Pape Matar Sarr made his first start at this season's Africa Cup of Nations to help Senegal book their place in the round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Benin on Tuesday evening.

While they headed into the game assured of qualification, they knew if they wanted to take top spot in Group D, they needed to at least equal the result of DR Congo, who faced bottom side Botswana - and they did just that.

As the Democratic Republic of Congo swept Botswana aside 3-0 in Rabat, Sarr's Senegal did the same to Benin in Tangier.

Having not appeared thus far at the tournament, Pape was in from the off against Benin, playing 81 minutes and earning his 37th international cap.

Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo put Senegal two to the good with goals either side of half-time before they faced a nervy end as Kalidou Koulibaly was dismissed with 19 minutes remaining. However, deep, deep into added time at the end of the game, a penalty converted by Cherif Ndiaye made sure they were group winners.

The victory has earned them a last 16 clash with either Sudan or Burkina Faso, dependent on the final results in Group E, which will be concluded tonight.

Either way, Pape's Senegal will next be in action on Saturday 3 January - kick-off 4pm (UK).

Yves Bissouma's Mali will face Tunisia in the last 16, with that game scheduled for Saturday, but kicking-off at the later time of 8pm (UK).