Senegal with two wins from 3 matches at the group stages became the first African side to earn a last-16 berth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senegal qualified for the World Cup’s knockout stages for only the second time in their history as they eliminated Ecuador at a rowdy Khalifa International Stadium.
The South Americans needed just a point to progress but paid the price for a passive display as Senegal were spurred on by an almost non-stop cacophony of drumming from their supporters in Al Rayyan.
The West Africans shot into the lead in the 44th minute when the referee awarded them a penalty after Piero Hincapie was judged to have pushed Ismaila Sarr in the box.
The Senegalese winger stepped forward and calmly put the spot kick away with the right foot, beating Hernan Galindez in Ecuador’s goal.
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Brighton’s Moises Caicedo levelled the score with Ecuador’s first real chance in the 68th minute, tapping the ball into an open net after Felix Torres provided the assist.
The Teranga Lions then capitalised on an error by Enner Valencia to regain their lead 4 minutes later, as AL-Kalidou Koulibaly reacted first on the loose ball and scored to make it 2-1 to Senegal.
Aliou Cisse’s side held out amid a nervy six minutes of stoppage time to finish as runners-up in Group A behind the Netherlands, who clinched top spot after handing the tournament hosts a third defeat in three games with a comfortable 2-0 win in Al Khor.
Senegal are potential last-16 opponents for England given the Lions of Teranga will next face the winners of Group B – a berth Gareth Southgate’s team could seal later on Tuesday night if they beat Wales.
