Netherlands and Ecuador shared the spoils, while Senegal collected Africa’s first win, with the results meaning that hosts Qatar have been knocked out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
The Netherlands took the lead in the sixth minute following a superb striker by in-form Codey Gakpo.
However, instead of getting a confidence, Netherlands opted to sit back with Ecuador pilling on more pressure as the game progressed.
The did have the ball in the back of the net in injury-time of the first half but the shot by Pervis Estupinan was ruled out because one of his teammates was offside and in front of the goalkeeper.
Ecuador continued their impressive display and were rewarded in the 49th minute when Enter Valencia’s scored his country’s sixth successive World Cup goal to level matters.
Just a few minutes later Gonzalo Plata was denied by the crossbar, otherwise the game would’ve been turned upside down.
The result also means that Qatar have become the second host to be knocked out in the group stages following in the shoes of South African from 2010.
Qatar 1-3 Senegal
Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal have collected Africa’s first win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating hosts Qatar.
The Lions of Teranga beat the hosts 3-1 at the Al-Thumama Stadium on Friday afternoon, getting off the mark in Group A.
Qatar had a strong penalty appeal in 34th minute when Akram Afif appeared to have been bundled over by Ismaila Sarr but referee Mateu Lahoz waved play-on.
Senegal dominated large parts of the first half without creating too many goalscoring opportunities before Boulaye Dia punished a mistake by the Qatar to open the scoring just before half-time.
The Lions of Teranga immediately scored after half-time via a powerful header by Famara Diedhiou to make it 2-0.
However, the hosts soon took control of the game, with Senegal dropping too deep. After missing several chances, Qatar were rewarded for their efforts when Mohammed Muntari scored just four minutes after coming on.
Senegal, though, came out of their shell and scored the important third goal via Ahmadou Bamba Dieng, following a fine cross by Iliman Ndiaye, with both of Aliou Cisse’s substitutes combining perfectly.
Senegal now sit on three points from two points, level with Netherlands and Ecuador, who meet each other in the second game of Group A on Friday.
