Senegal have become the first African country to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions on Tuesday afternoon locked horns with Ecuador in the final Group A contest of the tournament.
In need of a win to advance to the Round of 16, Senegal played above their strengths and deservedly picked the much-needed victory.
Before the first half break today, the African champions had already taken the lead thanks to a penalty kick expertly converted by youngster Ismaïla Sarr.
After the break, Ecuador came in strong and equalised through midfielder Moisés Caicedo in the 67th minute.
Unfortunately, they could not hold on after scoring. Shortly, after scoring that important goal, the team conceded from a corner kick and trailed again.
This time around it was defender Kalidou Koulibaly who scored for Senegal to give the African giants a 2-1 win at the end of the game.
Courtesy of the result, Senegal qualifies for the Round 16 stage with six points. The Netherlands are also through to the next round after topping Group A with seven points.