It took some patience, but Senegal remains in the hunt heading into the second week of World Cup action.
After taking a 1-0 lead late in the first half, Senegal opened up the second half with a perfectly executed set piece. Ismail Jakob’s corner made contact with forward Famara Diedhiou’s head, and he buried the ball to the back post.
The goal doubled Senegal’s lead against a much-improved Qatari offense. After becoming the first host in World Cup history to lose its opening game and failing to get a single shot on goal against Ecuador, Qatar gave Senegalese goalkeeper and 2021 FIFA goalkeeper of the year Edouard Mendy no shortage of scares.
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One of those landed in the 78th minute as Qatar scored its first ever World Cup goal and seemingly inched its way closer to a draw.
Just as momentum started to swing Qatar’s way, however, Senegal struck again.
Sheffield United’s Illiman Ndiaye snuck past the Qatari defense and slotted a pass to teammate Bamba Dieng. Dieng, coming off the bench, took one clean strike and found the back of the net, giving Senegal a much-needed cushion with less than 10 minutes remaining in full time.
Senegal finished 3-1 to keep itself in contention for a spot in the Round of 16. It will take on Ecuador on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET in what could turn out to be a deciding match, depending on the outcome of Ecuador-Netherlands later on Friday.
