Senegal kept their FIFA World Cup knockout hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in Toronto, delivering their best performance of the tournament in a crucial Group I clash.
The Lions of Teranga entered the match needing a convincing win after defeats to France and Norway, and they responded in emphatic fashion. The victory lifted Senegal to third place in Group I with three points and moved them to fifth among the best third-placed teams, although they must still rely on results elsewhere to secure a place in the last 32.
Senegal made the perfect start, taking the lead just four minutes into the match. Abdoulaye Seck’s powerful header from a corner deflected off midfielder Habib Diarra before beating Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
Iraq’s hopes suffered another major setback nine minutes later when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off after pulling down Sadio Mané on the edge of the penalty area. Following a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor ruled it was a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
Despite dominating possession, Senegal had to wait until the second half to extend their advantage. Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute after Lamine Camara capitalised on a costly mistake by former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal before setting up the simple finish.
Substitute Pape Gueye made an immediate impact, curling a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner just three minutes later to make it 3-0. The Villarreal midfielder added his second goal in the 71st minute with another stunning effort from distance.
Fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout late in the match, sealing a dominant 5-0 victory that significantly boosted Senegal’s goal difference as they await the outcome of other group matches.
The result also dealt a major blow to Scotland’s qualification hopes, pushing them further down the rankings of the best third-placed teams.
