Replace Mohammed Muntari Qatar scores first World Cup goal at the end of the second half, but it turned out to be only consolation for the home team. Senegal entered halftime with a 1-0 lead and doubled the lead as soon as the second half started. Boulaye Dia scored the first goal in the 41st minute, before Famara Diedhiou made it 2-0 for Senegal in the 48th minute.
Mutari shortened the lead in the 78th minute to give hope to the home fans, which lasted only six minutes as substitute Bamba Dieng gave Senegal a two-goal lead in the 84th minute. The third victory fixed the match for the African team, who now have three points after two games and continue to compete for tickets to the next round.
The start for Senegal 🙌@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
– Football World Championship (@FIFAWorldCup) 1669388448000
Meanwhile, the second loss in as many matches left Qatar almost out.
A win or draw for the Netherlands against Ecuador, which beat Qatar in the tournament’s opening match, late on Friday will see Qatar become the first team to be mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
There was no tension on the opening night as Qatar quickly closed in on Senegal and they should have been awarded a penalty when Ismaila Sarr gave up on Akram Afif, but Spanish referee Antonio Mateu dismissed their pleas and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene.
With Qatar defending well, Senegal will need a moment of magic or a catastrophic mistake to break the deadlock, and unfortunately for Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi, it is the latter.
His attempt to make a routine low pass into Krepin Diatta’s box went awry as he landed without making proper contact with the ball.
Khoukhi’s messy effort allowed Dia to leap forward, and the 26-year-old forward didn’t need a second invitation to shoot from close range to put Senegal ahead.
With the Qatari crowd somewhat sparser early in the second half, Famara Diedhou doubled Senegal’s advantage with a fine header from Ismail Jakobs’ corner in the 48th minute.
Muntari shortened the lead in the 78th minute with a header from Ismail Mohamad’s cross but Senegal’s substitute Bamba Dieng finished in third for his team to place Qatar at the bottom of Group A. no points, while their opponents in the same table all have three points.
(With input from agencies)
