Senegal takes the lead in a straight shootout for second place in Group A thanks to Ismaila Sarr’s penalty on the stroke of half time.
Ecuador, who needed only a draw to advance, equalized after the break through Moises Caicedo.
However, Kalidou Koulibaly reacted fastest in the box, sending the African side into the second round for the first time since 2022.
Senegal advanced to the World Cup knockout stages for the second time with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador, thanks to Kalidou Koulibaly’s superb volley.
The Chelsea defender’s second-half goal, just two minutes after his team had conceded, was enough for them to finish second in Group A, behind the Netherlands, with a thoroughly deserved victory.
With a place in the round of 16 on the line for both teams, the game got off to a frantic and lively start, though it was the Lions who had the better chances, as Idrissa Gueye blasted wide before Boulaye Dia failed to hit the target from close range.
Given the attacking prowess on display at both ends of the field, it was surprising that the deadlock was not broken until the 44th minute, when Ismaila Sarr, who had earlier gone past the post, stroked a penalty into the bottom corner after being bundled over in the box by Piero Hincapie.
Ecuador threw on a slew of attacking players after the break in an attempt to claw their way back into the game, and they did so on 68 minutes when Felix Torres’ near-post flick-on was met by Moises Caicedo, who tapped into a nearly empty net.
The pressure was back on Senegal to score, and they did so within seconds when Kalidou Koulibaly volleyed home from close range after Idrissa Gueye’s free-kick was not cleared.
Senegal advances to the round of 16, where they could face either England or Wales, depending on the outcome of tonight’s match.
SOURCE: Eurosport.com
