World Cup 2022: Teranga Lions Knock Hosts Qatar Out

The Teranga Lions in their second World Cup outing defeated host country Qatar (3-1) to keep their R16 hopes alive, and smash any glimmer of hope Qatar had to advance.

Despite the loss, Ghanaian-born Qatari international – Muntari netted Qatar’s first goal in World Cup history.

Both defeated in their opening games, Qatar and Senegal played at the Al-Thumama stadium in Doha, and it is was Senegal who came out victorious against the hostd in group A.

Uninspired during the first half hour, Aliou Cissé’s players were able to take advantage of the Qatari defensive mistakes, and Boualem Khoukhi’s massive error to open the scoring shortly before the break by Boulaye Dia at the 41st minute.

Stunned, Qatar still slept off from the start, conceding a second goal by Famara Diedhiou (48th), before Bamba Dieng’s 84th minute strike put an end to the contest.

Meanwhile, Qatar who had a poor performance in the opening game against Ecuador (zero shots on target), finally showed some attacking gusto. The host nation was rewarded with a 78th minute goal by Mohamed Muntari that halved deficit. It was Qatar’s first goal in the final phase of the World Cup.

The goal gave them hope in front of their audience, but they were not able to build on that.

Backs against the wall, are out of the knockout stages only after the second playing day; the first time it is happening to a host country.

Qatar’s last game against the Netherlands – scheduled for November 29, would be a mere formality.

For Senegal, everything will be decided on the last match against Ecuador, on November 29. The African champions were eliminated by a number of yellow cards in 2018 but now have destiny in their hands.