African champions Senegal seek a return to defend their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title after a 3-1 against Benin in their 2023 qualification opener.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane starred for the Teranga Lions after scoring a hat-trick in a man of the match performance in front of home crowd at the Dianniadio Stadium

The AFCON Tournament Player of the Year gave Senegal the lead 10 minutes into the game when he converted from the penalty spot.

He doubled Senegal’s lead after inter exchange with midfielder Pap Matar Sarr before completing his hat-trick after converting another penalty

Benin’s night from bad to worse after defender Sessi D'Almeida got sent off for stopping Mané who was headed for a goal as the as the last man

Junior Olaïta’s goal only proved to be a consolation for Beninese