Senegal have claimed their first World Cup victory, defeating Qatar 3-1 despite a fighting performance by the hosts.
Boulaye Dia opened the score in the 41st minute, with Famara Diedhiou adding another three minutes into the second half at Al Thumama Stadium.
Newly introduced Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 78th minute with a thumping header, but Bamba Dieng restored the African champions’ two-goal lead just six minutes later.
Qatar has lost both its games and will be eliminated later on Friday and less than a week into the World Cup if Netherlands and Ecuador draw in the other Group A game.
South Africa in 2010 are up to now the only hosts who have not managed to reach the second round of a World Cup.
Senegal, meanwhile, remain in the chase for a last-16 berth with the first victory for an African team at the tournament.
Qatar revival too little, too late
Qatar spent most of the opening 45 minutes on the back foot but a rare break forward saw Akram Afif incensed not to be awarded a penalty after he was bundled over by Sarr.
Senegal looked like they would head into half-time without managing to break down Qatar’s resistance, only for the hosts to gift them a goal in the 41st minute.
Qatari defender Boualem Koukhi fluffed a clearance to leave Dia to pounce on the loose ball and fire it past Barsham.
Almoez Ali forced a fingertip save out of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy before the Chelsea man again rescued the Africans from Isamil Mohamad’s effort.
Mendy was rooted to his line when Muntari pulled one back for Qatar, powerfully heading home Mohamad’s cross to haul the hosts back into it.
Abdelkarim Hassan then lashed a free-kick just wide of the post as Qatar tried to hit back but Senegal held firm to see out the win.
