Senegal secure AFCON place, Uganda, Namibia claim wins

Mahmoud Elassal , Saturday 4 Jun 2016

Senegal are the 5th country to reach next year's African Cup of Nations after Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Egypt

Senegal national soccer team players
Senegal national soccer team players listen to their national anthem before the start of their Group C soccer match against Algeria in the African Cup of Nations in Malabo January 27, 2015 (Reuters)

Senegal secured a place at next year's African Cup of Nations after beating Burundi 2-0 away from home in the penultimate round of the qualifiers on Saturday, becoming the fifth country to qualify for the Gabon finals.

Southampton winger Sadio Mane opened the scoring after 16 minutes to give the Lions of Teranga an early lead.

Three minutes before the break, Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf added the second to ensure Senegal's win.

Senegal are leading Group K with 15 points after five rounds. Burundi are competing with Namibia, who defeated Niger 1-0 on Saturday, to become one of the best second-placed sides as both have six points.

Elsewhere, Rwanda failed to make use of home advantage as they lost to Mozambique 3-2.

Mozambique winger Domingues scored after 10 minutes before Tuyisenge netted the equaliser for Rwanda in the 37th minute.

Apson Manjate scored the second goal for Mozambique after the break but Tuyisenge restored parity again before Helder Pelembe notched the winner for Mozambique.

Rwanda are second in Group H with 6 points, four behind leaders Ghana, who will face Mauritius on Sunday.

Uganda defeated Botswana 2-1 away from home to lead Group D with 10 points, three clear of Burkina Faso who will face Comoros on Sunday.

Five teams have reached the Nations Cup so far: Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt and Senegal.

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