Senegal Grab Their First 2022 FIFA World Cup Win vs Qatar

The Lions of Teranga – Senegal have registered their first 2022 FIFA World victory agaist the hosts, Qatar which also marks as the first win by any African nation present in the tournament.

Following their loss against Netherlands, this was a much needed victory to boost their confidence and get their feet stuck in the competition.

Khouckhi miskicked a clearance inside the area, slipped and Boulaye Dia pounced in an instant, rifling a low drive under the keeper to get Senegal off the mark.

Dia scores for Senegal after some comical defending. Photograph: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The second goal was converted from a corner kick. It was skimmed in by Famara Diedhiou who advanced to the near post, escaping his marker and angled a fine header into the opposite top corner.

Famara Diedhiou scores the second goal for Senegal. Photograph: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

However, Qatar did not stop fighting in spite of Senegal‘s 2 goal lead. their first ever at the finals – a raking ball found Mohamad Muntari on the right and his accurate cross was headed down and firmly to the right of Mendy and into the corner.

Mohammed Muntari scores the first ever final goal for Qatar. Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Having conceded a goal in the 77th minute, The Lions of Teranga received a wake up call and went for more to secure the victory – smart interplay on the right leading to a good low cross from Iliman Ndiaye to Dieng inside the box, who turned and drove low and firmly under the keeper to score Senegal‘s third goal.

That should be that. Photograph: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock

WHAT IT MEANS

Netherlands v Ecuador will be under way shortly, with Qatar’s hopes of remaining in the competition dependent on an unlikely Ecuador victory. Barry Glendenning described it.