AFCON 2025: Abdoulaye Seck named Man of the Match as Senegal overpower Benin

Abdoulaye Seck shone defensively and offensively, powering Senegal to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin at Stade Ibn-Batouta and bolstering their AFCON 2025 push.The centre-back was rock-solid defensively and decisive in front of goal, earning a deserved Man of the Match award.Seck set the tone in the 38th minute, timing his run perfectly to meet Krépin Diatta’s cross and guide a precise header into the bottom left corner for the opener. His presence on set pieces kept Benin under constant pressure, and early in the second half he forced Marcel Dandjinou into another save with a powerful header from close range.Behind him, Senegal showed resilience even after Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off following a VAR review, with Seck taking extra responsibility in a reshuffled back line. Further goals from Habib Diallo, who finished a move started by Sadio Mané, and a late penalty converted by Cherif Ndiaye sealed a convincing win.In a match full of stoppages, free kicks and Benin half-chances, Seck’s assurance and leadership stood out, underlining his growing importance in Pape Thiaw’s squad.