Senegal beats Ecuador 2-1: Koulibaly sends African champions into World Cup 2022 Round of 16
Senegal advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as Kalidou Koulibaly volleyed in a crucial goal.
With the Netherlands expected to overcome Qatar to top Group A, the African champions took the lead shortly before halftime when Piero Hincapie bundled over Ismaila Sarr, who easily converted the penalty.
The Lions of Teranga had taken a merited lead after a number of early chances, with Idrissa Gueye and Boulaye Dia both dragging efforts wide.
However, Ecuador tied the game in the 67th minute when Moises Caicedo tapped in from a corner.
La Tri were only level for two minutes though, as Gueye’s free-kick dropped to Koulibaly in the box and the Chelsea defender lashed home a shot with a superb right-foot volley.
🇪🇨 Moises Caicedo scores his first goal in 24 internationals to bring Ecuador level.
🇸🇳 2 minutes later, Senegal go up the other end and strike straight back through captain Kalidou Koulibaly. That's his first international goal on his 67th appearance!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rYfCxK4ARU
— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) November 29, 2022
Ecuador, who won their first encounter against Qatar before drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands, attempted frantically to force a leveller, which would have allowed them to go to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Senegal, though, held on to arrange a probable meeting with England, or whichever team tops Group B following today’s fixtures.
