Just like in Senegal’s opening game of this tournament in the Ivory Coast – a comfortable 3-0 win over Gambia – Nicolas Jackson was introduced as a substitute as the Lions of Teranga came out on top in a tight match against Cameroon, and he played a key role in the third goal which finally made victory safe.

Jackson replaced Habib Diallo for the final 10 minutes of the match and made his mark on the game to end any chances of a comeback, after Cameroon had pulled one back through Jean-Charles Castelletto’s header, their only shot on target.

The Chelsea striker did brilliantly to bring a long ball under control and shield it from the defenders while awaiting support, before releasing Idrissa Gueye on the overlap, whose low cross was swept into the bottom corner by Sadio Mane to make it 3-1 in added time.

Senegal had been the better side in the first half and took the lead when Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s weak punch fell to Ismaila Sarr, who finished via a deflection.

Cameroon tried to fight back after half-time, but struggled for chances against an energetic and organised Senegal side, who extended their advantage when Diallo turned in Sarr’s pass across goal from close range.

With two wins from as many games, Senegal become the second side to secure their place in the last 16 of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, following Cape Verde earlier on Friday. Jackson and Co could even be assured of top spot in Group C with a match to spare if Guinea and Gambia draw in today’s later fixture.