Senegal moved on to the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup after beating Ecuador 2-1 in the final Group A match at Khalifa International Stadium.
Enner Valencia overcame a knee injury to start for Ecuador, while Ismaila Sarr made his 50th appearance for Senegal with Boulaye Dia and Iliman Ndiaye, who made his competition debut.
The game was wide-open from the start, with both teams attempting to gain an early edge.
Senegal took on greater forward pace as the first half proceeded, and they were given a penalty on the approach of halftime when Piero Hincapie fouled Sarr in the penalty area.
The Watford forward scored the first goal for Aliou Cisse’s team with a low side-footed shot that left goalkeeper Hernan Galindez helpless.
Ecuador came out of halftime with more energy, and Moises Caicedo tied the game in the 68th minute with a close-range finish at the back post after Felix Torres flicked the ball on from a corner.
But Senegal responded almost right away. Kalidou Koulibaly scored a thumping volley from a rebound in the box to give Senegal the lead back.
The Lions of Teranga had chances to win the game on counterattacks, but they held their nerve in the last few minutes to finish second in their group, one point behind the Dutch, and earn a spot in the last 16.
