Senegal is through to the World Cup round of 16 for just the second time in their history after beating Ecuador 2-1 at Khalifa International Stadium.
Set up as a winner-takes-all clash in Group A, Senegal went ahead through Ismaila Sarr’s penalty, were pegged back by Moises Caicedo but were ahead again inside three minutes thanks to captain Kalidou Koulibaly, sealing their place in the knockout rounds.
The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions finished second in Group A behind the Netherlands and will play the winners of Group B, England in the next round.
Senegal suffered a heartbreaking exit at Russia 2018, losing out on a place in the round of 16 to Japan because of an inferior disciplinary record, but they have managed to get over the line in Qatar.
Needing to win to book their place in the knockout rounds, the champions of Africa went ahead just before half-time thanks to Watford winger Sarr’s penalty after a foul by Piero Hincapie.
But having spent much of the first half pushing Ecuador back, Senegal was made to pay for sitting off early in the second half when Brighton midfielder Caicedo equalized with a tap-in at the back post following a corner.
It looked like setting up a frantic last period, only for Senegal to retake the lead just two minutes later from their own set piece through Chelsea defender Koulibaly.
Senegal was most impressive at both the start and end of the game.
