World Cup updates: Senegal ousts Qatar with a 3-1 win

Senegal fought hard against the hosts to keep their World Cup hopes alive while the defeat means Qatar has been eliminated from the tourname...

Senegal fought hard against the hosts to keep their World Cup hopes alive while the defeat means Qatar has been eliminated from the tournament. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Senegal became the first African side to win a game at the World Cup and as it stands, they can go all out and beat Ecuador in their final group A game on Thursday to earn their second-round ticket.

The Teranga Lions fought hard against the hosts to win 3-1 with goals from Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, and Bamba Dieng. The latter’s goal calmed nerves and made the points sure after Qatar fought back and halved the deficit through a great header by substitute Muntari.

Edouard Mendy was instrumental to the result as he repelled all attempts from the hosts to get back in the game with brilliant saves. Fans had called for the Chelsea shot-stopper’s head after his howler gifted Netherlands the win last weekend but he may just have redeemed himself.

In the other Group A encounter, The Netherlands and Ecuador settled for a 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo’s stocks continue to rise while Enner Valencia continues his one-man wrecking ball moves as both got on the score sheet.

Gakpo opened scoring with a fierce strike from outside the box while Valencia was quick to tap home after the Dutch goalkeeper parried into his path. Valencia is now the top scorer of the tournament so far with three goals in two games.

How can they qualify? Host nation Qatar has been eliminated after Netherlands and Ecuador played out a draw which means they both sit on four points and a point each in their final group games will see them go through. Senegal must beat Ecuador to stand a chance while the Netherlands will seek to win the group with a win over the hosts.