Yesterday Senegal became the first African country to win a match in the 2022 world cup in Qatar, the African team had a poor start to the competition this week when they lost to the Netherlands by 2 goals. It was an important match for both the host Qatar and Senegal to have a chance of qualifying for the next round in the tournament.
Some African countries participating in the tournament have not been challenging enough for their opponents on match day one of the competition, Morocco and Ghana were the two teams that impressed me this week. Morocco went head-to-head with second-runner-up Croatia and played a draw, and Ghana almost drew against Portugal when they played 3-2 two days ago.
Senegal not only gave themselves a chance to qualify for the next round both also knocked out the host nation Qatar out of the competition yesterday. Senegal scored the first goal in the 41st minute of the first half from a defensive error made by the Qatari defender. Boulaye Dia from Senegal quickly got the loose ball and played a shot into the goalpost and scored Senegal's first goal in the 2022 world cup.
Senegal doubled their lead in the 48th minute in the second half from a corner kick, Ismail Jakobs from Senegal swung the ball from the corner side into the box, and Famara Diedhiou jumped high a steered the ball with his head into the goalpost, it was a beautiful delivery and an amazing headed.
The host nation was not ready to come to terms with their defeat, and the Qatari player's style of play changed, they had more possession and controlled the field, making it difficult for the Senegalese players to have an impact in the second half. They had a lot of chances in front of the goal but could not execute their finishing properly.
But it did not stop them as they got a goal in the 78th minute, Ismael Mohammad from Qatar played a cross to his teammate in the Senegal box, Mohammed Muntari saw the coming ball and headed the ball into the goalpost and scored Qatar's first goal in the world cup.
Senegal ended Qatar's dream of a comeback in the 84th minute, Iliman Ndiaye from Senegal lead a counterattack down the Qatar box and played a through ball to his teammate in the box, Ahmadou Bamba Dieng received the ball in the box and played a shot with his right foot into the goalpost, the Qatari players looked stunned as Senegal extended their lead back to two.
Qatar failed to get any more goals as the match ended, and Senegal took all three points. Senegal now has to beat Ecuador to qualify for the next round, it won't be easy because Ecuador is equally good and was able to draw against the Netherlands last night. It will be a big test for both sides when they meet next week.
So guys I will stop here, I hope you all are enjoying the world cup, thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend.