African champions, Senegal conceded two goals in the closing stages of the Group A Matchday 1 against the Netherlands to make their progression to the knockout phase of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup difficult.
Without their captain and talisman Sadio Mané, Senegal could not raise to the occasion, recording 47 percent possession even as they had more shots at goal (15 to 10) against their European opponents.
In their third appearance at the finals — the other two in 2002 and 2018 — the Teranga Lions conceded the first goal to PSV striker Cody Gakpo in the 84th minute, while Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen made recovery impossible for Senegal with an added time goal.
Senegal will have to make amends as they face the hosts Qatar in their next game on Friday, the same day the Netherlands will go up against Ecuador.
Qatar were lost 0-2 to Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match yesterday.
Next tonight: United States v Wales (Group B) (8 pm WAT)
Tomorrow: Group C: Argentina v Saudi Arabia (11 am WAT), Mexico v Poland (5 pm); Group D: Denmark v Tunisia (2 pm), France v Australia (8 pm)
