Senegal rout 10-man Iraq to stay in World Cup hunt

Senegal kept their World Cup aspirations alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq on Friday, ending Iraq's chances of reaching the knockout stages. The West African nation now waits to see if their performance is enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

“

The West Africans enjoyed a dream start when Abdoulaye Seck's header directed off teammate Habib Diarra and into the Iraqi net in the fourth minute.

The match started brightly for Senegal, with Abdoulaye Seck heading the ball into the net in the fourth minute, a goal that deflected off teammate Habib Diarra. The game shifted significantly in the 12th minute when Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a red card following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The referee determined Sulaka had pulled down Senegalese striker Sadio Mané as he was through on goal.

After the break, Senegal capitalized on their numerical advantage, running riot with goals from Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, and a brace from Pape Gueye. This dominant second-half performance secured their emphatic win.

“

Iraq went down a man in the 12th minute when the referee decided after a VAR review to send off defender Rebin Sulaka for pulling down Sadio Mane as the Senegalese striker was through on goal.

Senegal now faces an anxious wait to determine their fate in the tournament. Their advancement hinges on the outcomes of other group matches, as they aim to secure one of the eight spots available for the best third-placed teams.

“

Senegal, who ran riot after the break with goals by Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and a double from Pape Gueye, must wait to see ‌if ⁠they will advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.