World Cup hosts Qatar are on the brink of an early exit from the mundial after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Senegal on Friday.
Senegal with their apparent dominance headed into the break with a goal advantage courtesy of Boulaye Dia’s efforts in the 41st minutes.
That Famara Diedhiou doubled the lead for Aliou Cisse led side three minutes after the break, Mohammed Muntari halved the lead when he scored what the hosts will remember as their first goal in the World Cup history.
Defeated 2-0 by Ecuador in their opening match, a late thrust on at Al Thumama Stadium was not enough for Qatar to claim a much-needed result for relative balance going in to the last game.
For Senegal, the lead was an important message to the world on the heels of Sadio Mané’s absence. And while they survive some onslaughts from the Qataris, Bamba Dieng struck the ultimate in the 84th minutes to round up the game.
With the result, Senagal became the first African country to record victory at the ongoing World Cup while it has also consequently pushes Qatar to the verge of an early exit when they face a daunting task against Netherlands in their final group stage game.
On the part of the AFCON holder, they will be willing to secure the knockout round berth when they face Ecuador in their last game.