The Teranga Lions of Senegal have become the first African nation to claim victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating hosts Qatar 3-1 at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
The match sprung into action when Qatar appealed for a penalty in the first half when Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr fouled Akram Afif in the box. However, referee Antonio Mateu wasn’t interested while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene.
Late in the half, an error from Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi led to the opening goal, with Senegal striker Boulaye Dia pouncing on the opportunity as he put the ball into the net to give the Africans the lead.
Senegal striker Boulaye Dia scores against Qatar during FIFA World Cup match.
Three (3) minutes into the second half, striker Famara Diedhou doubled Senegal’s advantage with a beautiful header from an Ismail Jakobs corner, sending the Senegalese fans into pandemonium.
Qatar looked for a way back into the game and threatened moments later, with Ismael Mohamad forcing a reflex save from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Substitute Mohammed Muntari pulled a goal back with a historic first goal at a FIFA World Cup for Qatar. However, the hosts’ unlikely comeback lasted just six minutes as Substitute Ahmadou Dieng restored Senegal’s two-goal advantage, sealing the points for the African champions.
Senegal’s Ahmadou Dieng (20) celebrates goal against Qatar
The Teranga Lions of Senegal have responded very well to its opening 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup. The roar of the Senegal fans spurred the team on to claim all three points against Qatar.
In Group A, Senegal are level on points (3) with Netherlands and Ecuador, who later on Friday at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Qatar are at the bottom the Group with one game to play and will be the first nation eliminated from the tournament, if the Netherlands avoid defeat against Ecuador.
