Senegal coach Aliou Cisse believes the African champions are on the right track after emerging 4-2 winners against Brazil in their international friendly at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday.

Led by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, it was the Samba Boys, who took the lead in the 11th-minute courtesy of Lucas Paqueta but the Lions of Teranga restored parity in the 22nd minute through striker Habib Diallo.

Brazil’s Marquinhos scored into his own net in the 52nd minute to put Senegal ahead for the first time in the contest but the defender made amends to put Brazil level in the 58th minute. Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane then took over the scoring mantle with a brace in the 55th minute and added minutes of the tie to silence Brazil.

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Mane’s fourth goal came from the penalty spot after the South Americans conceded a penalty, providing the former Liverpool forward with an opportunity to shine. Unfazed by the pressure, Mane confidently stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, completing his brace and securing an impressive 4-2 victory for his team.

Senegal coach Cisse said after the game as quoted by CafOnline: “We’re very proud of our performance. Very proud of the boys. When the lads play like that, we’re hard to beat. We’re on the right track.”

While Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly quipped: “We knew we had to be strong mentally. We were determined to play a big game – it wasn’t a friendly but a warm-up match for the African Cup of Nations.”