Senegal crushed ten-man Iraq to keep qualification hopes alive

Senegal secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq during their Friday clash in Toronto. Habib Diarra deflected a corner kick into the net just four minutes into the match. Iraq lost defender Rebin Sulaka to a straight red card soon after for bringing down Sadio Mane. This early numerical disadvantage heavily crippled the Middle Eastern squad. Senegal famously reached the quarterfinals in 2002 and is now looking to replicate that historic run in this tournament.

Second Half Goal Spree

Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead early in the second half. Substitute Pape Gueye then transformed the game entirely. He scored a brilliant curled shot almost immediately upon entering the pitch. Gueye fired another long-range strike to complete a quick double. Iliman Ndiaye finished the scoring late in the game. This heavy defeat completely eliminates Iraq from the tournament. Meanwhile, Senegal improved their goal difference significantly to strengthen their knockout stage chances.

Imge Courtesy: ANI