Hosts Qatar suffered their second successive defeat at the FIFA World Cup

Losing to African champions Senegal 3-1 at the Al Thumama Stadium, Hosts Qatar suffered their second successive defeat at the FIFA World Cup. The hosts were nervy at times in the first half and a mistake by Boualem Khoukhi, who miscued a clearance inside the box gifted Senegal their opening goal. Boulaye Dia taking advantage of an awful defending slotted in the opener in 41st minute past goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, who replaced Saad Al Sheeb after his shaky performance on Sunday. 

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez made three changes in the starting line-up with defender Ismaeel Mohammad and midfielder Assim Madibo coming in for Bassam Hisham and Abdulaziz Hatem.

Senegal doubled their lead three minutes after the interval when Famara Diedhiou headed the ball past Barsham. The hosts produced their best performance thereafter and managed to pull one back through a perfect 78th minute header by substitute Mohammed Muntari, who became the first player to score for Qatar in World Cup finals. The victory put them in contention for a place in Round of 16 after defeat to the Netherlands in their opening match for Senegal.

While Senegal dominated the match, they seemed to be still missing injured Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane upfront.  Ismaila Sarr broke into Qatar’s box early but his shot was deflected into the side netting. The hosts appealed for a penalty in 35th minute after Sarr’s challenge against Afif in the box but referee Antonio Lahoz decided against the review and pointed only for a goal-kick. 

A dip in performance in the last 10 minutes of the first half resulted in a lead for Senegal following Khoukhi’s mistake with Dia striking an instant low drive past Barsham.  After conceding their second goal, Qatar pressed hard but Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made good saves from Almoez Ali and Ismaeel’s attempts before Muntari’s brilliant header on target. 

Abdelkarim Hassan also made scoring attempts from a distance but his hits missed the target as Dieng’s goal after a swift move sealed Senegal's first win. Qatar received applause from a partisan crowd at the final whistle, with the home team hoping for a good performance against the Netherlands.