Senegal Dismantles Iraq 5-0 to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Photo: REUTERS
Senegal dismantled Iraq 5-0 on the world stage, revitalizing their FIFA World Cup campaign with a clinical performance in Toronto.
The Lions of Teranga now await results from other groups to determine if they advance to the Round of 32 as one of the top third-place finishers.
Habib Diarra ignited the scoring in the 4th minute, poking the ball home after Abdoulaye Seck’s corner-kick header. Iraq’s defensive structure crumbled further when the referee sent off Rebin Sulaka for denying Sadio Mane a clear scoring opportunity.
Senegal exploited the man advantage ten minutes after the interval. Lamine Camara seized on a Zidane Iqbal error to set up Ismaila Sarr, who fired home his third goal of the tournament. Substitute Pape Gueye then produced a masterclass, scoring twice in a 12-minute span.
His first strike arrived just 89 seconds after he entered the pitch, followed by a second thunderbolt into the top corner. Iliman Ndiaye capped the dominant victory with a 20-yard strike in the 82nd minute.
While the victory provides hope, Pape Thiaw’s squad remains in limbo as they wait to see if other match results secure their knockout stage ticket.
