Senegal brushed aside Cape Verde 2-0 in a 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualification Group D match at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia on Saturday.

The victory takes the Lions of Teranga to the top of the group standings, while the Blue Sharks remain third.

The match got off to a lively start as Idrissa Gueye forced Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha into a comfortable save with a shot from a free-kick.

At the other end, Senegal keeper Khadim Ndiaye produced a fantastic save to deny Cape Verde forward Garry Rodrigues from close range.

The Blue Sharks looked dangerous each time Ryan Mendes was in possession of the ball in the Lions of Teranga’s half.

The Kayserispor midfieder played a low cross shot from the right which found his teammate Babanco, who fired wide of the target in the 29th minute.

Marco Soares, the Cape Verde captain, then found some space outside the Senegal box 10 minutes later and he pulled the trigger.

However, Ndiaye was well positioned to make a save from the midfield maestro’s effort as the Blue Sharks searched for the opening goal.

The last chance of the first half fell for Balde Keita Diao, but the Senegal forward’s attempt was easily saved by Vozinha.

The score was 0-0 at halftime following a closely contested first half.

Senegal took control of the match after the restart with Pape Ndiaye and Diao unleashing shots which were saved by Vozinha in the first 18 minutes of the second half.

With his side creating chances, Senegal coach Aliou Cisse decided to make a change – introducing highly-rated striker Mbaye Niang in the 62nd minute.

The former French youth international, who plays for Torino FC, was making his debut for the Lions of Teranga.

Diao then watched on in disbelief as his acrobatic effort was cleared off the goal-line by Cape Verde defender Fernando Varela in the 78th minute.

Pressure was mounting on the Cape Verde defence and the visitors deservedly broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute through Sakho.

The marksman pounced after Vozinha had failed to hold on to a powerful shot from Niang and Sakho made it 1-0 to Senegal.

Cheikh Ndoye, who had replaced Sadio Mane, made an immediate impact in stoppage time – sealing Senegal’s 2-0 win with a brilliant curling effort.

Cape Verde (0) 0

Senegal (0) 2 (Sakho 82′, Ndoye 90+2′)

Cape Verde XI: Vozinha, Stopira, Varela, Babanco, Soares (Olivera 85′), Heldon (Rocha 65′), Rodrigues (Gomes 78′), Perreira, Ponck, Mendes, Almeida.

Senegal XI: Ndiaye; Wague, Mbodj, Koulibaly, Mbengue; Gueye, Kouyaté, P.Ndiaye (Niang 62′); Keita Baldé (Guette 82′), Sakho, Mané (Ndoye 89′).