Koulibaly Sends Senegal Into Last 16 For First Time Since 2002: Senegal scored the opening goal in the penalty shootout for second place in Group A with Ismaila Sarr’s penalty on the stroke of halftime.
Through Moises Caicedo, Ecuador, who only needed a draw to advance, equalized after the break. However, Kalidou Koulibaly scored the fastest penalty in the box within minutes to advance the African team into the second round for the first time since 2022.
Koulibaly Sends Senegal Into Last 16 For First Time Since 2002 FIFA World Cup
Senegal defeated Ecuador 2-1 to go to the World Cup knockout rounds because of Kalidou Koulibaly’s outstanding effort.
The Chelsea defender’s goal in the second half, two minutes after his team had trailed, was enough for them to win, earning them second place in Group A behind the Netherlands.
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A spot in the round of 16 was on the line for both teams, thus the game got off to a frantic and lively start. However, The Lions had the better chances as Idrissa Gueye shot wide and Boulaye Dia somehow missed the target from close range.
Also, it was surprising that it took until the 44th minute for the tie to be broken given the offensive skill on display at both ends of the field. Ismaila Sarr, who had earlier gone past the post, stroked a penalty into the bottom corner after being tripped up in the box by Piero Hincapie.
In a last-ditch effort to get back into the game, Ecuador threw on a slew of forward players after the break. In the 68th minute, Moises Caicedo duly equalized after Felix Torres’ near post-flick-on was met by him.
Senegal was now under pressure to score, and they did so in a flash when Kalidou Koulibaly scored from close range after Idrissa Gueye’s free-kick wasn’t cleared.
Senegal has advanced to the round of 16, where they might play either England or Wales, depending on how tonight’s game turns out.
Player of The Match
Gueye, Idrissa (Senegal). Given his recent performances for PSG in France and Everton in the Premier League, everyone is aware of the midfielder’s defensive skills. Also, with this performance, the 33-year-old displayed a different side of his abilities, though, as he was used in a more attacking role and frequently served as the catalyst for Senegal’s offensive advances as he drifted into central positions beyond the area.
His free-kick, one of many risky dead balls, was what set up Koulibaly’s goal. Gueye’s afternoon was only marred by receiving a yellow card, which disqualifies him from the round of 16.
Player Match Ratings
Key Stats
- Ecuador have suffered their first defeat in ten games – a run which saw them win three times and keep seven clean sheets
- Also, this is only Senegal’s fourth win in 13 attempts against South American countries
