Senegal recorded their first win and Africa’s first as well at the 2022 World Cup, defeating hosts Qatar 2-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Teranga Lions lost their opening match 2-0 to the Netherlands while the Qataris lost to Ecuador in their own opener. This match was therefore an important one in both sides quest to make it to the Round of 16.
The first notable moment of the match came in the 16th minute when Krepin Diatta unleashed a thunderous shot which was saved by Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Famara Diedhiou could have scored from the resultant corner but his header went wide.
Tbe game was interrupted in the 17th minute when Pedro Miguel and Abdou Diallo head a clash of heads. There was need for medical treatment and both players were able to continue.
Qatar had claims for a penalty in the 33rd minute after Akram Afif went down in the box from a Senegalese challenge. The referee however waved play on.
Aliou Cisse’s men took the lead in the 40th minute with Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia finishing off from close range. The reigning African champions doubled their lead two minutes after the restart, Diedhiou heading it home this time around from another corner.
Qatar had a glorious chance to score in the 63rd minute via Almoez Ali. His powerful shot was however saved brilliantly by Edouard Mendy in goal. The host nation’s first goal of the tournament came in the 78th minute when Mohammed Muntari connected with a cross and sent a header past Mendy.
Senegal were not done scoring and added one more six minutes from time, Marseille forward Bamba Dieng with an easy finish. Qatar nearly had their second goal of the afternoon in 88th minute but Abdelkarim Hassan’s free kick went wide.
The victory keeps Senegal’s hopes of making it to the Round of 16 alive, with a final group game against Ecuador left to play.
