Senegal qualify for World Cup after 16 years

Sports Desk: A first-half goal from West Ham’s Diafra Sakho and an own goal from Thamsanqa Mkhize secured Senegal’s place in Russia as they overcame South Africa 2-0 in Polokwane.

South Africa had originally won the match 2-1 on November 12 last year, but it was agreed that the game would be replayed after referee Joseph Lamptey’s lifetime ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Lamptey has been expelled by FIFA over match-fixing allegations.

Senegal knew victory would be enough to send them to Russia, while South Africa needed to win here and in their final game in Senegal. Liverpool forward Sadio Mané set up Sakho for the opening goal in the 12th minute and the latter kept his composure to slide the ball home and silence a partisan crowd.

The hosts dominated the first half and went close to equalising when Lebogang Manyama’s shot hit the crossbar, but Stuart Baxter’s side went further behind before the break. Mané’s effort was brilliantly saved by Itumeleng Khune, only for Mkhize to haplessly head the rebound into his own net.

Senegal held on to reach the World Cup finals for only the second time. In 2002, they memorably defeated France on their debut, eventually losing to Turkey in the quarter-finals. They are the third African team to reach next year’s tournament, alongside Egypt and Nigeria. Tunisia can seal their place against Libya on Saturday, while Ivory Coast host Morocco in a battle for the other qualifying place.

Source: The Guardian

risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 11, 2017/AI