• First African Victory Thrills Okocha As Attention Shifts To Tunisia
After losing their first group match to The Netherlands, Africa’s champion, Senegal, yesterday came into the World Cup party by defeating host nation, Qatar 3-1 Al Thumama Stadium in a thrilling match.
With three different Senegalese players finding the back of the net, Qatar is out of the tournament it is hosting, despite its lone goal in yesterday’s defeat, their second consecutive loss.
Senegal drew first blood with a close-range finish from Boulaye Dia in the 41st minute. The African team went on to double the lead when Famara Diedhiou rose to put a firm header back across the goal, assisted by Ismail Jakobs in the 48th minute.
In the 63rd minute, Almoez Ali attempted to score a goal with a close-range kick but was denied by the goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.
Qatar narrowed the gap to one with 78th-minute thumping header from Mohammed Muntari but Bamba Dieng doubled the lead again just six minutes later, knocking the ball into the net with his right foot. It was the first victory for an African team in the tournament.
With this defeat, Qatar is out of the competition even with a game against The Netherlands still left. This victory keeps Senegal’s hope of progressing to the next round very much alive and the Teranga Lions, who are in the competition without their team captain, Sadio Mane, became the first African side to win a game in the tournament.
All eyes are now on Tunisia today, as they will battle Australia in their group D second match. Their first match against Denmark ended in a goalless draw and a win against Australia will see the Eagles of Carthage safe and sound to the next round.
Former Super Eagles team captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, who is a football analyst at the World Cup, described the victory as good for Africa. “At last, Africa has gotten a first victory in this World Cup. We are happy.”
The Teranga Lions will face Ecuador in their last group match.
THEGUARDIAN
