N'Doye scores in first Africa Cup outing
FC Copenhagen star Dame N’Doye scored for his country last night, but couldn’t prevent Senegal losing out in their first match of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.
N’Doye came off the subs bench midway through the first half in the tie against Zambia, and was ordered to keep to the left wing, rather than play his familiar central striker role he is famous for at FCK.
Nevertheless, N’Doye proved he can score from any position in the 74th minute, when he controlled a high ball off his chest, made a yard of space off his marker, and swung the ball into the near corner from ten yards.
The goal came as a consolation however, as Zambia ran out 2-1 victors in the first group match in the Estadio de Bata. Senegal will now have to force a good result against host nation Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, if they have any hopes of progressing.
The Senegalese found themselves 2-0 down at the break following early goals from Emmanuel Mayuka and Rainford Kalaba. However, the Lions came out strong in the second half and took the game to Zambia. Demba Ba could have scored on 68 minutes when the Newcastle top-scorer headed an open goal onto the crossbar, with N’Doye behind him in an easier position, primed to tap in.
The Copenhagen striker gave his nation hope however on 74 minutes, expressing the physical dominance he can have in opponents’ penalty areas. His turn and shot will have impressed Senegal manager Amara Traoré, who is blessed with a wealth of striking options to choose from.
With the game ending 2-1 to Zambia, the central African nation now sit atop of Group A, with Equatorial Guinea one below due to goals scored, after beating Libya 1-0 earlier on Saturday evening.
Orange Africa Cup of Nations – Group A:
Senegal – Zambia 1-2 (0-2)
12th minute: 0-1 Emmanuel Mayuka
20th minutes: 0-2 Rainford Kalaba
74th minutes: 1-2 Dame N'Doye
