2022 World Cup: Senegal roar to first victory as Qatar face early exit
After suffering 2-0 defeats in their opening games, both teams faced a virtually do-or-die situation at Al Thumama Stadium.
It is presently not looking good for Qatar who increasingly are looking set to become the first World Cup hosts to be dumped out of the tournament after just two games,
After the opening day loss to Ecuador, Qatar on Friday slumped to another defeat as Senegal secured a morale-boosting victory in Doha.
Mohammed Muntari made history as the first Qatari player to score at the World Cup, but it wasn't enough, as Senegal's class told in the end.
After suffering 2-0 defeats in their opening games, both teams faced a virtually do-or-die situation at Al Thumama Stadium.
But you wouldn't have known it judging by the early exchanges, with Senegal dominating but failing to carve open the Qatari defence in a fairly sedate opening.
But then Boulaye Dia pounced on a horrible error from Qatar centre-back Boualem Khouki who, attempting to clear in his own box, slipped and allowed the Senegal striker to bury it from 12 yards.
Senegal doubled their lead straight after half-time, as former Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou rose highest to power home a wonderful header.
That left Felix Sanchez's side with it all to do, their tournament hopes hanging by a thread. In fairness, they exhibited some much-improved attacking play, with Edouard Mendy saving smartly from Almoez Ali and Ismaeel Mohammad in the second half.
Ghana-born forward Muntari then wrote himself in Qatari folklore by scoring their first World Cup goal, a fine 78th minute header that might have set up a thrilling finale – had it not been for Senegal sub Dieng.
He arrowed home on 84 minutes to wrap up the African side's victory.
