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Players of Senegal line up before the Group A match against Ecuador at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Nov. 29, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
Senegal advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 20 years with a 2-1 win over Ecuador.
Ecuador vs Senegal, World Cup 2022 result: Koulibaly sets up potential England last-16 tie – AFP via Getty Images/Raul Arboleda© AFP via Getty Images/Raul Arboleda
DOHA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) — Ismaila Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly scored either side of halftime as Senegal advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 20 years with a 2-1 win over Ecuador here on Tuesday.
Sarr converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime but Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo put his side on level terms with a close-range finish in the 67th minute.
Koulibaly wrested back the lead for Senegal by thumping home a first-time effort 20 minutes from time.
The result at Khalifa International Stadium means Senegal finish second in Group A with six points from three matches. Ecuador miss out on a place in the last 16, having finished two points further back in third place.
Senegal showed their attacking intent in the third minute when Idrissa Gueye latched onto Ismail Jakobs’ cross from the left flank. But the Everton midfielder could only manage to pull his first-time effort wide of the post.
Youssouf Sabaly then released Boulaye Dia with a clever through ball only for the Villarreal forward to flash his shot harmlessly out of play.
Kalidou Koulibaly (R) of Senegal vies with Alan Franco of Ecuador during their Group A match. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
Ecuador looked frazzled as Senegal continued to bombard the South American team’s defense.
Sarr provided another tense moment for Gustavo Alfaro’s men when he ran onto Pape Gueye’s headed flick and made a probing run into the box before bending an effort just beyond the far post.
Pathe Ciss let another chance slip by heading over the bar after a curling Jakobs free-kick from the right wing.
Ecuador struggled to advance into their final third as Caicedo, Carlos Gruezo and Alan Franco were suffocated by Senegal’s high-pressing back four.
Senegal were finally rewarded for their dominance when Sarr was awarded a penalty, having been bowled over by Piero Hincapie in a race for the ball inside the box.
The Watford winger coolly slotted the resultant spot-kick into the bottom right corner, leaving goalkeeper Hernan Galindez planted to the middle of his line.
Source:AP