Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo recorded his third of the season as Cesena defeated Mantova 4-2 in week seven of the Italian Serie B league at the Orogel Stadium.

But Inform Kargbo was later substituted after he suffered a minor injury in the 53rd minute.

The first half saw Cesena taking a strong lead with goals from Shpendi in the 5th minute, Augustus Kargbo in the 21st minute, and Giuseppe Prestia in the 43rd minute.

Mantova made a comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap with a goal from Redolfi in the 58th minute. However, CESENA secured their victory with a counterattack goal from Romagnoli and Tavsan in the 70th minute.

After the match, Cesena’s coach Michele Mignani commented, “The match went well, and we were good at scoring the first goal by stealing the ball from our opponents. In my opinion, we deserved to score more goals in the first half.”

Mignani also mentioned the opponent’s possession of the ball and their quality play, acknowledging that the match was challenging. He praised his team for executing their game plan and showing a strong desire to win, especially in the first half. However, he expressed concern about Mantova conceding too much in the latter part of the game.

Mantova is expected to face Brescia in the upcoming derby at the Martelli stadium next Sunday.

CESENA-MANTUA 4-2

CESENA (3-4-2-1):  Pisseri; Ciofi, Prestia, Mangraviti; Antonucci, Kargbo (54′ Tavsan); Shpendi (73′ Van Hooijdonk). Subs: Klinsmann, Chiarello, Ceesay, Celia, Berti, Piacentini, Pieraccini. Coach: Mignani.

MANTUA (4-2-3-1):  Festa; Trimboli, Burrai; Mensah (63′ Debenedetti). Subs: Sonzogni, Bani, Wieser, Artioli, Muroni, Cella, De Maio. Coach: Possanzini.

REFEREE:  Daniele Chiffi from Padua (assistants: Ceccon from Lovere and Trasciatti from Foligno; VAR officer: Nasca from Bari)

GOALS:  5′ Shpendi, 21′ Kargbo, 43′ Prestia, 58′ Redolfi, 70′ Tavsan, 84′ Ruocco

NOTE:  Yellow cards: Trimboli, Kargbo, Calò, Mangraviti. Corners: 4-7. Recovery time: 2′ + 6′