Senegal's defender Abdou Diallo (center) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 semi final football match between Burkina Faso and Senegal at Stade Ahmadou-Ahidjo in Yaounde on Feb 2, 2022. (KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

YAOUNDE - The Teranga Lions of Senegal qualified for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday after beating Burkina Faso 3-1 at the Ahmadou Ahidjou Stadium in Cameroon.

Burkina Faso was fabulous in their play style and impressed fans at the stadium but failed to produce the necessary results.

After an exciting but goalless first half, defender Abdou Diallo calmly struck home from close range after a corner in the 70th minute to make it 1-0 for Senegal, and a strike from Bamba Dieng doubled Senegal's lead six minutes later.

Blati Toure rekindled hope for the Stallions eight minutes later when he latched on a cross with his knee into the net.

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But Mane snapped up a chance on a counterattack as he sped clear of the Burkinabe defense and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo to seal the emphatic victory for Senegal.

Senegal is in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in its history and its second in two tournaments.

Senegal will play for the African title against either Egypt or tournament host Cameroon, who meet in the second semifinal on Thursday.