World Cup hosts Qatar facing early exit after defeat to Senegal

Posted Friday, November 25, 2022 by PA

Qatar are heading out of their own World Cup following defeat by Senegal in their second game.

The hosts were beaten 3-1 by the African champions at Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium on Friday and their exit was later confirmed when Group A rivals Netherlands and Ecuador played out a 1-1 draw.

Qatar still have a game against the Dutch to come but, after losing their opener to the South Americans, their fate has been sealed just six days into the tournament.

Lift off for Senegal 🙌@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2022

They at least went down fighting against Senegal and Mohammed Muntari scored their first World Cup goal.

But Felix Sanchez’s side were already facing an uphill struggle after Boulaye Dia’s strike gave Senegal a half-time lead and former Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou doubled the advantage.

Muntari’s thumping header gave the home fans hope as the hosts showed spirit, but Bamba Dieng swept home Senegal’s game-clinching third goal in the closing stages.

Senegal, who lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in their opening match, were first to threaten through Watford forward Ismaila Sarr before Qatar’s Akram Afif volleyed the hosts’ first chance high over the crossbar.

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye flashed a low shot wide as Senegal began to dominate.

World Cup hosts Qatar facing early exit after defeat to Senegal — ***Qatar were denied a first-half penalty after Akram Afif went down under Ismaila Sarr’s challenge (Petr Josek/AP)***

Qatar lifted the home support in the 34th minute when Afif burst into the box in a rare foray forward and the hosts were controversially denied a 34th-minute penalty when he went tumbling under Sarr’s clumsy challenge.

A defensive error then handed Senegal a 41st-minute lead. Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi slipped when attempting to clear Diatta’s ball into the area and Dia pounced to fire low into the net.

Qatar made the worst possible start to the second half by conceding a second goal in the 48th minute.

Ismail Jakobs sent over an inswinging corner and Diedhiou easily escaped his marker to head home at the near post.

The hosts threw caution to the wind in an effort to haul themselves back into the match and Abdelkarim Hassan’s 30-yard shot flew narrowly wide.

Almoez Ali was denied by Senegal’s Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who then made an even better save to keep out Ismaeel Mohammad’s effort following Hassan Al Haydos’ cross.

Qatar at last were giving their fans something to cheer and they set up a grandstand finish by scoring their first World Cup goal in the 78th minute.

Mohammad swung over an excellent cross and Muntari leapt highest to crash home a header, just four minutes after stepping off the bench.

But Qatari hopes of salvaging a point were dashed six minutes later by Senegal’s third goal.

Sheffield United midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, a second-half substitute, beat three defenders before pulling the ball back for Dieng and he swept home an emphatic finish.