Senegal came into the match against Ecuador needing a victory to ensure qualification, and they have done just that, beating Ecuador 2-1. Ecuador's impressive run has been halted as they failed to get the single point they needed in order to progress to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Ecuador began the day in second place, on course to qualify, but a hard-fought win by the African team means that they will continue their quest for the FIFA World Cup 2022 rather than the South Americans.
Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr won a penalty for his nation just before the end of the first home, converting it successfully to leapfrog ahead of Ecuador.
Ecuador equalized in the first second half through a Moises Caicedo goal, but the comeback wasn't to be as minutes later, Kalidou Koulibaly restored the lead to Senegal and ensured Round of 16 qualification.
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Key Performances
Ismaila Sarr: The winger was rapid and destructive as he opened the scoring with a calm and composed penalty in the 44th minute.
Idrissa Gueye: The midfielder was instrumental in controlling the middle of the park for the African outfit.
Moises Caicedo: The Brighton and Hove Albion man scored the only goal of the game for Ecuador as they failed to salvage their much-needed point.
Kalidou Koulibaly: The Chelsea defender put in a strong performance and stood like a mountain in the face of the Ecuadorian attacks. He also scored the all-important goal to ensure the victory for the Lions of Teranga.
Aftermath
Senegal finished second in the group after beating Ecuador, behind the Netherlands. They will be joining the Dutch in the Round of 16 for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Ecuador lost out on qualification as a result. Enner Valencia, the current joint World Cup top scorer, will no longer be able to add to his tally of three.