Senegal boosted their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after thrashing Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match in Toronto on June 26.
The Lions of Teranga took control from the outset, with Habib Diarra opening the scoring in the fourth minute after Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a corner.
Iraq’s task became even harder when Rebin Sulaka was sent off for denying Sadio Mane a clear goalscoring opportunity, allowing Senegal to dominate the remainder of the contest.
Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s lead early in the second half after capitalising on a costly mistake by Zidane Iqbal, before substitute Pape Gueye struck twice in a devastating cameo, scoring within 89 seconds of coming on and adding another 20 minutes later.
Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a superb long-range effort as Senegal secured a crucial victory, but must now wait on results elsewhere to determine whether their superior goal difference is enough to earn a place among the best eight third-placed teams.
