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Qatar tribune

Tribune News Network

Doha

Mohamed Muntari became the first Qatar player to score a goal at the World Cup as he effected a fine header against Senegal in the Group A match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.

The goal thrilled home supporters among the 41,000 plus crowd.The 28-year-old’s fine execution was produced just after 4 minutes and 1 second of his coming on as a substitute and in the 78th minute of the match. That however came too late and was little for the hosts to overcome Senegal as they went down battling 1-3.

Despite displaying free-flowing football, which the Al Annabi are known for, the hosts ended up being on the losing side perhaps due to their inexperience of playing at a World Cup. Crucial mistakes and over aggressiveness cost them dear. Senegal opened their scoring through Boulaye Dia in the 41st minute following a defensive mistake on part of Boualem Khoukhi allowing the lurching Dia to snap the chance to score.

The shot taken by Krepin Ditta was also allowed by Qatar’s Assim Madibo to go for a not so alert Khoukhi to tackle.The ‘Lions of Terenga’ added to their lead through a crisp diagonal header from Famara Diedhiou soon in the second half (48th minute).Undeterred Qatar then made many attempts to stage a comeback with Abdelkarim Hassan even going for his long range strikes only to shoot wide.

Afif in tandem with Homan Ahmad, Hassan al Haydos and Pedro Miguel tried created chances but lacked at the finish.A third strike from substitute Bamba Dieng in the 84th minute following a perfect cross, sealed the deal for Senegal.Earlier in the 35th minute, Afif was denied a penalty when he was brought down inside the box. That Afif moved right towards the ball and an incoming Senegal player pushed him saw the referee call it otherwise.

Qatar, who had lost the inaugural match to Ecuador 2-0, were a much improved side and threatening at times. The result put the debutants almost out of the tournament - if Ecuador fail to beat the Netherlands in the day's other Group A game later on Friday.Senegal meanwhile remain in the chase for a last-16 berth with the first victory for an African team at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The last matchday on Tuesday pits them against Ecuador in what should be a winner-takes-it-all game while The Netherlands play Qatar.

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25/11/2022
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