The Teranga Lions were in a difficult position, but they showed spirit and composure to get the vital result
Senegal had to dig deep to get an important 2-1 victory over Ecuador which sent them to the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Teranga Lions were in a difficult situation after they lost to Netherlands in their opening game of the World Cup. However, they proved their quality in their second game, defeating hosts Qatar 3-1.
Still, they had to get a win in their final game against Ecuador to be sure of a spot in the next round.
The Senegalese put up a solid front in the first half and were the better side. They were rewarded for their hard work just before halftime, as they won a penalty that Ismaila Sarr neatly tucked in to give the Teranga Lions the lead.
Unfortunately for Senegal, Ecuador pulled one back in the 67th minute to ensure a frenetic end to the game.
It did not take long for Senegal to retake the lead, as Kalidou Koulibaly scored in the 70th minute to make it 2-1 for the Teranga Lions.
Ecuador pushed hard for an equaliser in the dying embers of the game, but Senegal held on strong to see out the victory.
The win ensures that Senegal are the first African team to book a spot in the round of 16 of the World Cup, as they finished behind Netherlands, who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the other simultaneous fixture.
Nigerian fans took to social media to praise the Senegal side for their exploits.
https://twitter.com/DaprinterBoy/status/1597644249817702400?t=haI3BF0dKpvzmHecjO-rcQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/FifeFerammi_/status/1597640502232649728?t=h-YU2fFwxJ9ly2T6veKzLw&s=19
https://twitter.com/Tinofino14/status/1597640342609633280?t=cLOc_KssXQMEQQamLqhNrQ&s=19
It'll be silly for Italy to still be ahead of Senegal in the next FIFA ranking
— Deji (@xDeji) November 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/Khalifar01/status/1597639600868298752?t=4z-J9px3o6iB9tiAecxVtQ&s=19
Senegal becomes the first African team to qualify for second round of 2022 FIFA world. 2:1 victory over Ecuador. Nice game!
— David (@davsess) November 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/enyi_ogb/status/1597638523116728320?t=gWWkW90NsY_Dy364bYkrTw&s=19
https://twitter.com/ikayzzzz/status/1597638429420195840?t=VmhMA1WkyfKlDnygo8_yOA&s=19
Well done to Senegal.
They have made the whole Africa proud.
Fully deserved.#Qatar2022— Olaoluwa Ogunniyi (@olarhyme) November 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/FolasadeOlukoju/status/1597637367363694592?t=BREIU_IOvpcfEh5bheHcPg&s=19
https://twitter.com/SodamCEO/status/1597637251366023168?t=OENv3QpURw_cPoWFKNnx4A&s=19
