Pride of Africa: As Senegal become first African country to qualify for knock out phase

While The Netherlands’ victory over Qatar meant a win will see the Teranga Lions through to the knockouts stage from Group A, as Ecuador too could progressed with a draw.

However, Senegal meant business and opened scoring through Ismaila Sarr’s penalty late in the first half, despite rying hard to keep Ecuador captainand danger man Enner Valencia quiet throughout, but Brighton’s Moises Caicedo levelled up in the 67th minute, however, Senegal had the last laugh as Captain Koulibaly sent his team through with Ecuador going home.

Senegalese manager Aliou Cisse promised before the game that his side would not overthink the occasion and it was apt for the Africans who opened the game up furiously as Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye hit the ball wide the goal wide open after only three minutes.

Story by Ibrozano Adams.