Kalidou Koulibaly’s nerve-wracking volley sent Senegal into the knockout stages of the World Cup for only the second time in their history as they beat Ecuador at a rapturous Khalifa International Stadium.
The win means Aliou Cess’s side are second in Group A, opening a last-16 meeting with Group B winners England on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
All three goals came from England-based players as Ecuadorian Brighton midfielder Moises Cacido canceled out Watford’s Ismaila Sarr’s penalty before Chelsea defender Koulibaly’s side-footer won it.
Ecuador needed just one point to progress but paid the price for a lackluster display as Senegal were buoyed by almost non-stop drumming from their supporters in Al-Rian.
Watford winger Saar coolly slotted home the chance to put the African champions deservedly ahead, after being clumsily fouled by Ecuador defender Piero Hancapi.
Ecuador had their first real chance to equalize when Cecido swept home Felix Torres’ flick-on, but Koulibaly’s composed finish immediately restored the lead for Senegal, who knew that Qatar’s victory against the Netherlands would be difficult. Barring an upset, only victory will suffice.
They held on amid six minutes of stoppage time to finish as runners-up in the group behind the Dutch, who handed the tournament hosts a third defeat in three games with a comfortable 2-0 win in Al Khor. Got the top position.
Senegal find goals despite missing Mane
Much has been made of Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mane’s absence from the tournament through injury but they have found goals from elsewhere, with five of their goals in Qatar so far coming from different players.
They found plenty of space in and around the Ecuadorian area early on as the South Americans made a nervous start but Everton’s Idrissa Goye and Bole Diaa both dragged away the best chances.
But Sarr, who had missed his two previous penalties for his club, showed courage to put his side in front from the spot and their heads did not drop when Caicedo equalized from a corner.
Fatah are in the last 16 for the first time since 2002, when they stunned France in the opening game to reach the quarter-finals and, before the game, Senegal had their efforts scored by former Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bubba Diop. Name it. The famous winner against the Frenchman – who died two years ago today in 2020 aged 42.
On est là. Présent 🇸🇳 ❤️. Tous derrière les 🦁. Pour Bouba Diop 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/yabAtCgbJG
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) November 29, 2022
