Senegal cruised to the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after securing a 2-1 win over Ecuador - their first victory over a South American nation at the global showpiece.
The Lions of Teranga took the lead at the 44th minute as Ismaila Sarr converted the penalty after Piero Hincapie brought him down to he earn the African champions a penalty which he ballooned the ball past Hernan Galindez straight into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0.
Moises Caicedo had the best chance in the 67th minute for Ecuador which he nicked it perfectly to cancel Ismaila Sarr’s opener - which, seemingly, looked like Ecuador was on course for the round of 16.
The Tri's jubilation was quickly cut short two minutes later as Senegal free-kick found its way to Kalidou Koulibaly, who changed the fortunes of the game as he was at the right place, at the right time to volley a rebound inside the box and nicked the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
Ecuador's exit seems too surprising after being marked as one of the tourney's potential surprise package, after blowing away Qatar and going neck-to-neck with the Netherlands, but the Tri's could not deliver a third performance of the same power and deftness.
The win propelled Senegal to the second spot in Group A with six points, one point behind the Netherlands, the group winners who toddled (won 2-1) past hosts Qatar.
Senegal last advanced from the group stage of the mundial at the South Korea - Japan 2002 World Cup, when the Teranga Lions reached the quarterfinals in its first outing at the tournament.
By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah
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