Ecuador 1-2 Senegal: Koulibaly’s skilful arrival came less than two minutes after Moises Caicedo equalized for the South Americans, following Ismaila Sarr’s first-half penalty
Find your favorites in your Premium Independent section, my profile
A skillfully executed volley by Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly helped Senegal qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the moment in their history after a 2-1 victory over a bereaved Ecuador.
As the Netherlands cruised to victory over Qatar to secure the most sensible spot in Group A in Doha, Senegal knew they had to win to succeed in the knockout stages for the first time since 2002, when the English organization’s winner will wait.
At the start of the tournament, the retirement of all-time top scorer Sadio Mane was the moment when many thought Senegal’s 2022 World Cup crusade would start to crumble, but other Premier League players beyond have seen them cross the line, along with their colourful supporters. Unable to engage their feelings at the final whistle.
You don’t have a more impressive display than Ecuador against Senegal in a World Cup. Despite the exorbitant expenses, any of the teams of supporters arrived in Qatar in giant numbers, dressed in all kinds of costumes and making all kinds of noises.
A quick tour of Khalifa International Stadium, a relic of the rest of Qatar’s newly built stadiums built in 1976, before kick-off was impressive, with very little focus on action. The drummers led the Senegalese dance, while a sea of yellow was more concerned with singing “yes you can” in each other’s faces while they too dreamed of a qualifying moment in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Never before had they faced an African team at the World Cup and seemed to have skipped homework from the start, as Senegal deserves to have taken the lead in the early stages.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye introduced a wide shot from a privileged position inside the penalty area, Boulaye Dia chased his shot on purpose when he had at least hit the target, and Ismaila Sarr rolled in a brilliant effort up top.
The traffic was still one-way, with a patched Enner Valencia, co-top scorer of the tournament of the competition, unable to touch the ball.
The goal that gave Senegal a well-deserved lead came from a familiar face: Watford striker Sarr brought down in penalty kick through Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, before getting up, snatching the ball from teammate Iliman Ndiaye and coldly pushing the shot to the bottom. .
Ecuador needed inspiration, and their talisman midfielder, Moise Caicedo of Brighton, the team’s heartbeat, made the impression with a tying goal from a corner in the 68th minute, silencing the battery for the first time in the match.
The Senegalese percussion section, however, had to regain their composure quickly, because less than two minutes later, England-trained Koulibaly was cleverly ahead of Senegal, still in the corner. Khalifa had picked up the pace.
Senegalese players embrace each other with the final whistle
No more than the African champions deserved, and they knew how deflating such a blow can be for Senegal, with the celebrations, involving the whole team and the substitutes who exemplify it.
Ecuador gave everything to Senegal late, however, they had given everything they could and the spirit of the brilliant and gentle lion of Africa shone.
With the win, Senegal became the first African country to beat a South American team at the World Cup since Cameroon’s good fortune over Colombia in 1990, ending a 21-game winless streak for the continent.
They are also only the third African team to succeed at the World Cup knockout level in at least two other tournaments, after Nigeria and Ghana.
Whoever is next, England or whatever, can be later. For now, Senegal and Africa are celebrating.
Senegalese players embrace each other with the final whistle
fake images
Want to bookmark your favorite articles and stories to read or refer to later?Start your Independent Premium club today.