The Match 18 of FIFA World Cup™ 2022 between the host, Qatar and Senegal, was played today in Al Thumama Stadium, Doha. Qatar and Senegal have ground to make up in FIFA World Cup™ Group A after both teams lost their opening match 2-0, Qatar on 20 November against Ecuador and Senegal 24 hours later against the Netherlands. The African champions return to Al Thumama Stadium for this pivotal fixture.
As this is the first international meeting between the two teams, Qatar has only lost three of their last 13 international matches against the African opposition. In the 8th minute, Senegal Mendy Nampalys tried his luck to shoot from outside of the box; but it was off-target. After 15 minutes, Senegal tried their luck again. The Midfielder, Diatta Krepin, tries to attack, and Qatar defenders defend it well. Then, the African earns a corner. It was so close that they almost scored the first goal.
Clock at 23rd minute, Senegal Gueye Idrissa Gana’s power shot almost scored as it was very close to the post. No luck. The score remained 0-0. At nearly 34 minutes, the Qataris made an attack that almost changed the score to 1-0. Akram Afif goes to the ground rather than getting a shot away. Referee Mateu Lahoz was not interested in Qatar’s claims for a penalty.
Senegal’s forward, Boulaye Dia, pounced on the ball to drive it inside the near post. The scoreline changed. Senegal 1, Qatar 0. The referee decided to add 7 minutes of extra time. Senegal controlled the first half with six total shots and two on target.
It didn’t take too long for the African to score after the break. Famara Diedhiou scored a terrific header off the corner kick delivered by Ismail Jakobs, adding one more goal to Senegal. Qatar remains 0. In the 60 minutes, the Hosts’ Abdelkarim Hassan nearly scored a goal as he tried his luck. Still no luck.
Qatar is trying to save the game in the second half. Qatar’s Abdelkarim Hassan went close from long range before Almoez Ali finally called Edouard Mendy into action from the edge of the box. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy again reacted brilliantly to deny Ismael Mohamed low down after the defender had directed a cross goalwards.
Qatar reduced Senegal’s lead to 1 when Mohammed Muntari scored a header from a cross from the right. Senegal 2 – 1 Qatar. Not long after, Senegal pushed on, and some combination saw Iliman Ndiaye free on the right. His perfect cutback was slotted home by Bamba Dieng, giving Senegal a double lead (3-1) again.
The officials gave six minutes of additional time in this match. Nothing changed. Qatar is now on the brink of elimination. Senegal now sits in the 3rd position in Group A. Qatar will be eliminated if the Netherlands draws with Ecuador.
(Photo Credit: FIFA)
