Senegal defeated Ecuador 2-1 to go to the round of 16 of the World Cup. Kalidou Koulibaly turned out to be an improbable match-winner.
Only two minutes had passed since Moises Caicedo had brought Ecuador level from a corner in order for the South Americans to advance in their position before the Chelsea defender’s magnificent volleyed winner.
The African team thoroughly deserved to advance from their World Cup group for the first time in 20 years, thanks in large part to a performance that destroyed Ecuador in the first half. Ecuador entered the game knowing they just needed a point to advance. Senegal’s superiority didn’t become apparent until the last second of the first half when Ismaila Sarr beat Hernan Galindez from 12 yards after being fouled in the area.
Although Caicedo briefly gave Ecuador hope in the middle of the second half, it was only a temporary respite as Senegal remained the more dangerous team even after Koulibaly’s goal, and Edouard Mendy’s goal was comparatively untroubled as they jumped into second place to set up a last-16 match with the group’s victor.
