Mbappe hits brace as France thrash Senegal

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

France launched their World Championship campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half masterclass inspired by captain Kylian Mbappe.

The French star scored twice, including a stunning stoppage-time strike, as Didier Deschamps’ side overcame a stubborn Senegal team in their opening-round encounter.

Despite the eventual scoreline, Senegal proved more than a match for the former world champions for long periods of the game and came close to taking the lead in the first half.

Nicolas Jackson squandered a golden opportunity in the 25th minute when his effort struck the post, while Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane also threatened as Senegal displayed confidence and attacking intent.

France struggled to break down the disciplined Senegalese defence in the opening half, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy producing several important interventions to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute when Mbappe finished off a flowing team move. The France captain latched onto a perfectly weighted pass before drilling a low shot beyond Mendy to put his side ahead.

Senegal thought they had found a way back into the contest just two minutes later when Jackson found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after the assistant referee’s intervention.

The disallowed effort proved costly.

France doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute when substitute Bradley Barcola made an immediate impact after coming off the bench. Released by Adrien Rabiot, Barcola calmly chipped the ball over Mendy to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the result beyond doubt.

However, Senegal refused to surrender and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye produced a brilliant solo effort, beating the French defence before firing past goalkeeper Mike Maignan to reduce the deficit.

Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were quickly extinguished moments later when Mbappe delivered the goal of the night.

The Real Madrid forward unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that flew into the top corner, leaving Mendy rooted to the spot and sealing a deserved 3-1 victory for France.

The match attracted a crowd of 80,545 spectators and highlighted France’s attacking depth, with Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue all playing influential roles.

For Senegal, the result was harsh on a side that competed strongly for much of the contest but failed to convert key chances when they mattered most.