Senegal triumphed over Ecuador to become the first African country to qualify for the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.
The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations’ current champions sailed past the group stage of the FIFA World Cup after fighting off Ecuador to win 2-1 in a hotly contested showdown at the Khalif International stadium, in Qatar.
English Premier League players Ismail Sarr (Watford) and Kalidiou Koulibally (Chelsea), put The Lions of Teranga ahead of La Tri, who alongside the Netherlands were considered Group A favourites.
Bayern Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie’s reckless tackle awarded Senegal their first goal to put them ahead just before half-time.
Sarr stepped up in Sadio’s Mane stead and sent Ecuador Keeper Hernan Galindez the wrong way to take the lead.
Caicedo momentarily silenced Senegal fans, drumming their team on to a victory, when his equaliser (67′) put Ecuador back ahead of Senegal in Group A.
Ecuador’s comeback was however shortlived after Koulibally’s sizzling volley gave Senegal the lead in style.
Aliou Cisse now adds to his Africa Cup of Nations 2022 triumph by proceeding to the round of 16 joining France, Brazil and Portugal in the knockout stage of this grand football showpiece.
