Gueye sengal 2019 africa cup of nations

Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Senegal 1-0 Benin: Idrissa Gueye’s goal as it happened

A single goal from Idrissa Gueye helped Senegal to a 1-0 win over Benin and secured their first Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in 13 years.

Gueye sengal 2019 africa cup of nations

Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Senegal reached the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time since 2006 when Idrissa Gueye scored to deliver a 1-0 last-eight win over Benin in Cairo on Wednesday.

Everton midfielder Gueye struck on 70 minutes, side-footing the ball into the net from close range after being set up by Liverpool star Sadio Mane.

This was the first Cup of Nations match to use the VAR (video assistant referee) system and there were no controversial incidents.

Benin were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when Olivier Verdon was given a straight red card for a last-defender foul.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse made one change to the team that defeated Uganda to reach the last-eight stage with Keita Balde replacing fellow forward Ismaila Sarr.

Gueye goal vs Benin

Senegal vs Benin: As it happened

Additional reporting by AFP.