FIFA World Cup: Senegal end 20-year wait for knockout berth after 2-1 win over Ecuador in Group A

Senegal rode on captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s thunder strike to reach the knockout stage at the FIFA World Cup Finals for the first time since 2002.

The Chelsea center-back scored the winning goal at the Khalifa Stadium as Aliou Cisse’s men defeated Ecuador 2-1 in their final Group A match on Tuesday, November 29.

Cheered on by drum-beating fans who added to the electrifying atmosphere at the stadium, Senegal set the tone from the word go and did not let their intensity drop till the final whistle was blown. Koulibaly and Ismaila Sarr scored for Senegal as Moises Caicedo’s equaliser was not enough for Ecuador to go through.

4 years ago, Senegal were left heartbroken as they missed out on the Round of 16 berth in Russia as they lost out to Japan on the basis of fair play points. Japan and Senegal were tied on points, goal difference and goal scored but Japan went through due to fewer yellow cards.

However, Senegal made full use of the final matchday to go clear of Ecuador to take the 2nd spot in Group A behind the Netherlands, who defeated Qatar 2-0 on Tuesday.

KOULIBALY EMERGES HERO
Koulibaly could not have found a better time to score his first international goal in his 67th appearance for Senegal as he put the African side ahead, 2 minutes after Ecuador found the equaliser through 21-year-old Caicedo. Koulibaly came up with a fine side-footed volley in the 70th minute — a striker’s finish from the man who commands the backline for Senegal.

It was an emotional goal for Koulibaly, who wore a special armband in memory of former Senegal international Papa Bouba Diop, who died two years ago on this day.

In fact, it was Diop who had scored the goal that helped Senegal shock France 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup. Senegal reached the quarter-final 20 years ago, which was also the last time they had made it out of the group stage before Qatar 2022.

It was Sarr’s penalty that put Senegal ahead in the 44th minute as Cisse’s men went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Senegal’s hopes were dampened when their star forward Sadio Mane was ruled out with a knee injury. However, Aliou Cisse and his men have proved their worth, sealing a place in the knockout with a heroic show against Ecuador.

Senegal lost to the Netherlands in their opening game but they fought back to beat Qatar 3-1 in their second match in the World Cup. Against Ecuador, Cisse’s men had as many as 15 attempts on goal, setting the tone from the kick-off.

Gustavo Alfaro’s Ecuador, however, can head home with their heads held high after impressing in Qatar. They defeated Qatar and held Netherlands to a 1-1 draw but captain Enner Valencia, who scored all their 3 goals before Tuesday, was not able to make a decisive contribution against Senegal.