- Senegal qualified for the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in 20 years.
- The Taranga lions becomes the first African nation to qualify for the Round of 16 at this year’s World Cup.
- Ismaila Sarr scored his 11th goal for his country in close to 50 appearances.
- Senegal joins the Netherlands, France, Brasil, and Portugal as the only teams to have booked their place at the round of 16.
African Champions Senegal have qualified for the World Cup round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ecuador in their final Group A clash at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Goals from Watford ‘s Ismaila Sarr and Chelsea defender and captain Koulibaly ensured the African champions qualification to the round of 16.
Senegal and Ecuador were meeting for the first time as the game was crucial for both sides. Senegal needed a win to go through to the round of 16 – while Ecuador needed only a draw.
The Taraga Lions failed to qualify for the round of 16 in 2018 – knew there was no room for errors.
Watford forward Ismaila Sarr scored the opening goal of the game from the penalty spot after being brought down in the area by an Ecuador defender.
The Ecuadorians knew a point will see them through to the round of 16 as Brighton midfielder, Moises Caicedo scored the equalising goal for the South Americans.
Then, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibarly scored a volley from a corner – which gave the African nation a 2-1 lead.
The victory for Senegal means they are now through to the round of 16 with six points – one point behind the Netherlands who finished top of group A with seven points after defeating the host nation Qatar in the last group game to remind unbeaten in the group.
