World Cup 2022: Senegal bounce back as Qatar teeter on the brink
Senegal bounce back, while Qatar are on the brink of elimination
Sport News Africa · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
Boulaye Dia does not score often for his country. Since joining the Lions in 2020, the Salernitana striker has found the net only three times in 20 appearances. But his goals have always mattered. His first, in September 2021, set Senegal on their way to a precious win over Congo (3-1) on the road to Qatar 2022. And his second, scored at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio in March 2022, helped the African champions make up the deficit in the second-leg play-off against Egypt (1-0) and go on to win on penalties late into the night.
Boulaye Dia gives the Lions the lead
In Doha on Friday, his third goal in a Senegal shirt put his side on course for victory after they had dominated play without making the difference. Opportunistic, Boulaye Dia pounced on a big error by a Qatari defender to put the ball into the net (41st minute). Thanks to that goal, Aliou Cissé's men ended the first half ahead (1-0). It was a first half the Lions controlled very well indeed.
Edouard Mendy had little to do for the first 45 minutes, other than claiming crosses and distributing when his team-mates played all the way back to build again. The Senegalese back line, led by an imperious Kalidou Koulibaly, contained the Qataris well. The exception was a lapse from Ismaila Sarr who, after losing the ball in midfield, made a clumsy attempt to win it back. His challenge brought down Afif in the penalty area. It could have been a penalty. Fortunately for the Lions, the referee judged that the contact was not flagrant enough.
Mohammed Muntari makes Qatar history
After the break, the African champions quickly eased clear. Starting up front this afternoon, Famara Diédhiou met Ismail Jakobs' corner at the near post with a fine header. 2-0 on the scoreboard. Hurt, Qatar refused to go under. Felix Sanchez's players pushed forward and even managed to score their first goal in World Cup history. Meeting a cross from Ismaeel Mohammad, Mohammed Muntari headed past Edouard Mendy, who had been majestic until then (2-1, 78th minute). But thanks to a goal from Bamba Dieng, set up by Iliman Ndiaye with a cutback, the Senegalese restored their two-goal cushion. They won 3-1.
They will need to follow it up on 29 November against Ecuador, who play their second match, against the Netherlands, in a few minutes. A draw between those two sides would de facto eliminate Qatar from their World Cup.
https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1596156956707880965?s=20&t=hAXjMAw8WDcik1O4_mUnzg