Senegal seal spot in round of 16 with 2-1 over lackluster Ecuador

Doha, Nov 29 (EFE).- Senegal overcame Ecuador on Tuesday to win 2-1 in a tense group B match at the Khalifa International Stadium and qualify for the round of 16 for only the second time in the African country’s history.

The loss means Ecuador, who needed just a point to move on to the next round, are eliminated from the tournament after failing to seize the initiative in the match.

Backed by a noisy contingent of dancing fans, Senegal deservedly took the lead just before half time when Ismaila Sarr picked himself up after a clumsy foul by Piero Hincapie to confidently convert from the penalty spot.

Ecuador leveled the score with 25 minutes left to seemingly set up a nervy ending, but Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly scored the crucial winning goal just three minutes later with an excellent side-footed volley.

Senegal finish second in the group behind the Netherlands, who easily beat hosts Qatar 2-0 in the other match in the group. EFE

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