Host nation Qatar were pushed to the brink of an early elimination from their own World Cup on Friday after a 3-1 defeat to Senegal.Senegal took the lead just before halftime on goals from Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou. Qatar’s substitute Mohammed Muntari answered in the 78th minute to set up a thrilling conclusion.Six minutes later, Senegal’s replacement player Bamba Dieng scored to seal the outcome and put the African championsu2014who lost their opening match 2-0 to the Netherlandsu2014right back into Group A contention.The loss left bottom-place Qatar anxiously awaiting further outcomes if they are to avoid being just the second World Cup hosts to lose in the first round, after South Africa in 2010.
If Ecuador loses against the Netherlands later on in the day, it will be confirmed that Qatar has been eliminated, becoming them the first World Cup hosts to lose after two games. In their opening-round loss to Ecuador by a score of 2-0, Qatar had a shaky tournament, and they continued to exhibit that trepidation against Senegal.After his weak performance in the opener, the Asian champions moved Saad Al Sheeb to the bench.Meshaal Barsham, who took over for him, initially lacked confidence, flailing at a corner as Senegal attempted to score first.Senegal had already missed scoring opportunities through Ismaila Sarr and Nampalys Mendy by that point, and as the first half went on, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Youssouf Sabaly wasted further opportunities.
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When Qatar made a rare foray forward, Akram Afif was upset that Sarr was not called for a penalty when he was bundled over, and Qatar was nearly eliminated.Senegal appeared to be going into halftime without being able to overcome Qatar’s defence, but in the 41st, the hosts gave them a goal.Boualem Koukhi, a Qatari defender, botched a clearing, allowing Dia to pounce on the loose ball and score past Barsham.Diedhiou’s header from a corner kick nearly shortly after the half gave Senegal a two-goal advantage.After falling behind by two goals, Qatar showed much more attacking zeal, and Afif was engaged in
After falling behind by two goals, Qatar started to attack with considerably more vigour, and Afif was engaged in every single attack.Eduoard Mendy of Senegal was pushed into a fingertip save by Almoez Ali before the Chelsea player again saved the Africans from an attempt by Isamil Mohamad. When Muntari headed Mohamad’s cross home with force to give Qatar a goal back, Mendy was firmly planted in place. This allowed the hosts to get back into the game. The score energised the crowd and Qatar surged forward in pursuit of a second goal, but Dieng ended the comeback in the 84th minute by sweeping the ball into the net to score Senegal’s third.Then, as Qatar attempted to respond, Abdelkarim Hassan sliced a free kick just wide of the post, but Senegal stood firm to secure the victory.
Later on Saturday, England will face USA.
