Senegal Becomes First African Team To Qualify To The Knock-Outs Stage Of The 2022 World Cup After 2-1Win Against Ecuador.

Senegal becomes the first African country to qualify for the round of 16 knockout stage in the on-going 2022 World Cup, following a 2-1 win against Ecuador.

Both team were looking to seal qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup in what was likely be a winner-takes-all encounter at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

La Tri have been majorly impressive in Group A, with a 2-0 win over Qatar on the opening day and a stalemate against the Netherlands on matchday two, while Senegal recorded a 3-1 victory over Qatar in their second match of proceedings following a late loss to the Netherlands in their first game.

The Teranga Lions needed to win to qualify for the last 16. Ecuador, on the other hand, needed to win or draw to progress.

A Penalty was awarded to Senegal after a heavy collision between Hincapie and Sarr inside the box and the referee was quick to respond.

Ismaila Sarr stepped up to convert from the spot kick which gave Senegal the lead in the 44th minute.

Moises Caicedo brought the game level for Ecuador in the 67th minute, as a ball was flicked on from a corner and the Brighton midfielder was left all alone at the back post for an easy tap in. 

Three minutes later, Captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s scored to restore Senegal's lead.

The Chelsea defender showed the composure of a striker as an indirect free-kick reaches him in the penalty box. He guides the ball on the volley into the net.

The victory for Senegal sees them finish with their highest number of points (6) in the group stage, surpassing the (5) points mark in 2002.

They finish a point behind Group A leaders Netherlands, and are only the third African team to reach the World Cup knockout phase in at least two different editions, after Nigeria in (1994, 1998 and 2014) and Ghana in  (2006 and 2010).

This is the second time that the Teranga Lions would qualify to the Knock-out stage of the World Cup, and for the first time in 20-years (2002).

The final Group A standings:

1️⃣ 🇳🇱 Netherlands: 7pts

2️⃣ 🇸🇳 Senegal: 6pts

3️⃣ 🇪🇨 Ecuador: 4pts

4️⃣ 🇶🇦 Qatar: 0pts