Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the game in the added minutes as Senegal struggled to register victory against Zimbabwe at Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium Kouekong on Monday.
Zimbabwe produced a good and the game looked like heading into a stalemate until the closing stages when Senegal was awarded a penalty.
In the fourth minute, Keita Balde wasted Senegal’s chance when his cross lands on top of the keeper’s net. Mane then geot into a threatening position but lost his footing at the critical moment.
Three minutes later, Mane and Balde linked up nicely down Senegal’s left but Zimbabwe did enough to block the Cagliari man’s low cross.
Mané then missed big chance after the Liverpool star rounded the defender before hitting a tame shot straight at the keeper.
Idrissa Gueye again missed a sitter when Mané put the ball on a plate for his teammate, whose touch let him down.
Senegal had another break in the 51st minute but Balde’s cross was too deep and the attack fizzled out.
In the 60th minute, impressive Dieng was forced into a save and comfortably gathered the ball after a long-range effort from Zimbabwe.
Mane jinked his way past his man but the Liverpool man’s cut-back was hoofed clear in the 63rd minute.
Mane was it again in the 65th minute, he picked out an inch perfect ball to Balde to run on to. Sadly, the Cagliari man’s cross was not of the commensurate quality.
Zimbabwe custodian Mhari had another excellent save in the 78th minute, Mane again at the heart of the move but the ball to the Liverpool forward at the back post for a tap in was well held by the keeper.
Senegal aimed for one last shot on goal in the closing minutes, but Idrissa Gueye’s effort was well blocked at the far post after Ballo-Toure’s deep cross.
Mane finally scored Senegal’s only goal through a penalty after Zimbabwe failed to clear a punt up front and a handball was given against midfielder Madzongwe after a Senegal shot from outside the box.
The Liverpool forward kept his cool to send Mhari the wrong way and see Senegal earn three points right at the death.
The Teranga are now on top of group B with three points while Zimbabwe remains pointless after one game
How they lined up
Senegal XI: Seny Dieng (Gk), Papa Cisse, Gana Gueye, Keita Balde, Cheikhou Kouyate, Boulaye Dia, Sadio Mane, Fode Ballo, Bouna Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye, Abdou Diallo
Zimbabwe XI: Petros Mhari (Gk), Kelvin Madzongwe, Kelvin Takwara, Ishmael Wadi, Leroy J Benyu, Bruce Kangwa, Onismor Bhasera, Teenage Lingani, Knowledge Musona, Prince Mpumelelo, Gilroy Chimwemwe