In a commanding performance, Senegal secured a 5-0 victory over Iraq, who played with ten men, in their final Group I match. Pape Gueye emerged as a standout player, netting two remarkable long-range goals in the second half, boosting Senegal’s goal difference significantly.
Ismaïla Sarr contributed to the scoreline with his third goal of the tournament, marking the first of four second-half goals for the Lions of Teranga. This victory allowed Senegal to finish third in their group, positioning them to contend for one of the eight third-place spots to advance to the knockout stage.
Currently, Senegal holds the fifth-best record among third-place teams, boasting a +2 goal difference. However, it’s important to note that four teams below them have yet to complete their final group matches.
Habib Diarra set the tone early by scoring in the fourth minute while both teams were at full strength. Iliman Ndiaye capped off the scoring with a long-range strike in the 82nd minute.
The match was a harsh end for Iraq, marking their elimination from the World Cup for the second time, and their first since 1986. Although they were seen as underdogs from the outset, their hopes of securing any World Cup points dwindled dramatically after Rebin Sulaka received a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the 13th minute.
Initially shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor after Sadio Mané maneuvered past Sulaka, the decision was upgraded to a red after Taylor consulted a video monitor and reviewed the incident.
Despite being a man down, Senegal struggled to capitalize on their advantage in the first half, but the dynamics shifted after the break.
Lamine Camara was instrumental in setting up Sarr’s goal in the 56th minute, creating a turnover in Iraq’s box. He dribbled to the byline and sent a low cross back for Sarr to tap into an open net.
Gueye, who came on shortly after Sarr’s goal, quickly made his presence felt. Approaching the hour mark, he received a pass from Sarr near the right corner of the box, dribbled left, and unleashed a curling strike that left goalkeeper Jalal Hassan with no chance.
In the 71st minute, Gueye scored again, this time connecting with a powerful half-volley from Ndiaye’s bouncing pass, which hit the back of the net before Hassan could react.
- World Cup 2026
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