Joseph Isokpehi Reporting
True African champions they are, the Terenga lions of Senegal, on Tuesday became the first African side in Qatar to reach the round of 16 of the FIFA world cup in Qatar.
The Aliou Cisse men once again proved their superiority over the south Americans Ecaudor, having beaten them twice in their two previous meetings during international friendlies
Knowing that a win will see them through to the second round, Senegal were focused, disciplined and took their chances, as they won the tie 2-1
The team shot into the lead in the 44th minutes when Watford of England winger, Ismaila Dare converted from the Penalty spot after he had been fouled, but Ecaudor equalise in the 68th minutes through Moises Caicedo but the celebration by Ecaudor lasted only two minutes as Chelsea and Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly scored the second and the winner for the 2002 FIFA world cup Quarterfinalists
Senegal went into the game with a point behind Ecuador, but a deserved victory saw them secure a round of 16 spot, as they remain the brightest hopes of Africa in Qatar.
The African giants who finish in second place with six points behind winners the Netherlands (seven points) have now reached the second of the world cup for the second time in their world cup history, and will face group B winner England in the round of 16 on Sunday December 4th 2022.
Elsewhere, The Netherlands defeated host Qatar 3-0 to finish top group A with seven points and will on Saturday take on group B runner up the USA, who won a crunch final group game against Iran 1-0.
Meanwhile Host Qatar has now gone into the history books as the first host Nation to lost all three group matches at the world cup.
Some football pundits has tipped Senegal to go past England on Sunday and reach the last Eight of the tournament to cap off what has already been a historic year for the lions of Terenga who were crowned Africa champions early this year in Cameroon.
Morocco, Ghana are the other African countries that can also make it to the second round in the coming days.