Senegal hit five past Iraq to keep World Cup dream alive

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Senegal kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive in emphatic fashion on Friday, thrashing 10-man Iraq 5-0 to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

The Teranga Lions produced a ruthless display from start to finish, capitalising on Iraq’s numerical disadvantage after defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the opening stages following a VAR review.

Senegal wasted little time asserting their dominance, with Habib Diarra opening the scoring in the fourth minute after converting from a corner. The early breakthrough settled the African side, who controlled possession and repeatedly stretched Iraq’s depleted defence.

The contest swung decisively in Senegal’s favour in the 13th minute when referee Anthony Taylor upgraded Sulaka’s yellow card to a straight red after reviewing a reckless challenge on the pitchside monitor, leaving Iraq to play more than 75 minutes with 10 men.

Despite Iraq’s spirited resistance before the break, Senegal returned for the second half with renewed intensity.

Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage in the 56th minute after capitalising on a defensive error before substitute Pape Gueye struck twice in the space of 12 minutes, scoring in the 59th and 71st minutes to effectively end the contest.

Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout eight minutes from time with a superb strike from the edge of the area, sealing Senegal’s biggest victory of the tournament and underlining their attacking quality.

The comprehensive win not only restored confidence after earlier setbacks but also significantly improved Senegal’s goal difference, strengthening their bid to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams.