Sadio Mane bagged a hat trick as Senegal kicked off the Afcon title defence on bright note in 2023 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Benin.
The goals did not only inspire Terenga Lions of Senegal to a victory but also helped Sadio Mane to leapfrog Henrie Camara as Senegal national team leading topscorer.
Before Benin game, Sadio Mane and former Terenga Lions forward Henrie Camara were tied on 29 goals.
But the hat trick took Sadio to 32 goals from 90 appearances.
Henrie Camara retired international football in 2008 and at the time he had represented Senegal in 99 appearances which makes the leading player with most caps.
The 32 goals Mane has scored come from different competitions which includes international friendly games (4), African Cup of Nations Qualifiers (10), World Cup Qualifiers (8), African Cup of Nations (8) and World Cup (1).
The 30 year old striker made his national team debut in 2012 and has gone to represent Senegal in 90 games.
*The list of Terenga Lions leading topscorers.
1. Sadio Mane – 32 goals
2 . Henrie Camara – 29 goals
3. El Hadji Diouf – 24 goals
4.Jules Bocande – 20 goals
5.Mamadou Nianga – 20 goals
6.Moussa Sow – 18 goals
7.Papiss Cisse – 17 goals
8.Mamadou Do – 15 goals
9.Moussa Konate – 12 goals.
