African champions Senegal suffered a loss in their opening game against the Dutch. The African champions now trail group A with the host Qatar, who were beaten 2-0 by Ecuador in the opening match.
Starting our #WorldCup with a 𝗪𝗜𝗡! 🦁🇳🇱#SENNED pic.twitter.com/XFv3e9YFEa
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 21, 2022
The Senegalese played a brilliant game during the first half and the better part of the second half as they could contain the Dutch attack and scoring chances that the Dutch goalkeeper saved; however, they suffered a massive setback as their midfielder Kouyate was injured.
Northlands’ Gakpo headed in the first goal after poor goalkeeping by Mendy. The Senegalese kept pushing but could not equalize as they performed dismally in the final third. In the 99th minute, barely seconds before the game was over, the Dutch scored the second goal after a clear rebound by Mendy.
Senegal is missing the services of their key star Sadio Mane who suffered an injury while playing for Bayern Munich. However, they will have to rectify the mistakes as they face hosts Qatar and Ecuador.