The African Champions revived their Group A campaign at the expense of Qatar, finally seeing off the hosts despite Ghanaian-born Mohammed Muntari scoring Qatar’s first World Cup finals goal.
Senegal were clearly superior, and had enough finishing power, and ability off the bench, to see the job through. And Qatar actually raised their game, creating a decent flurry of chances and scoring a well-crafted goal. Afif and Mohamad in particular had good games, while Sabaly, Diedhiou and Diatta were among the Senegal players to impress.
Earlier, Boulaye Dia slotted in the opening goal of the match, pouncing on the opportunity as Qatar’s defence made a rare mistake to put Senegal 1-0 up minutes before half-time while Famara Diedhiou made it 2-0 just three minutes into the second-half.
For Qatar, it was a much improved showing since their tournament opener. Muntari’s late goal gave them the hopes of coming back into the game, but Bamba Dieng stroked in to deflate the home following and leave Qatar bottom of the group without a point after two games played.
Both teams lost their opening games but today’s win gives Senegal the hopes of making it into the next stage.
Qatar are heading out unless Ecuador beat the Netherlands.
