By Macdella Eyong Bessong
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Senegal’s World Cup 2026 campaign is hanging on a thread. The Lions of Teranga suffered a second straight defeat, falling 3-2 to Norway, and are now on the brink of elimination with one group game left.
The New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States which hosted this encounter, saw a dominant Norway side, outclass the 2025 AFCON finalists, taking advantage of the defense lapses to walk their way to the Knockout stage with all Three vital points.
Marcus Pedersen Opened the scoring early, catching Senegal’s defense off guard. Before Manchester City star Erling Haaland scored his second World Cup brace in a row to match Messi and Mbappé’s braces from earlier in the day. Two clinical finishes to take his tournament tally higher and seal Norway’s win.
For Senegal, Ismaïla Sarr stood up when it mattered. The Lions’ talisman scored both goals – a display of pace, power, and pride. But even his brace couldn’t correct defensive cracks as all attempts for a point were futile.
Skipper Kalidou Koulibaly’s attempt to play the ball with the replacement right-back on the edge of the box turned against them as Pederson took advantage of that to outsmart Mendy.
The goalkeeper came to Senegal’s rescue several times and even denied captain Martin Odegaard’s attempt with a superb save. But not for too long as Odegaard set up the first Haaland goal.
Koulibaly was at fault once more, failing to swiftly make clearance as Haaland finished from a Patrick Berg’s cross.
Senegal finished the game without Edouard Mendy who was replaced by Mory Diaw after he picked up an injury. The later did his best to ensure no further goals got in. Meanwhile Upfront, Sadio Mane’s led attack could not overturn the scoreline.
With France and Norway already through to the Round of 32, Senegal are fighting for one thing: a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
Three points is non-negotiable in their last group game against Iraq. But “just winning” won’t do. They need to outclass Iraq who are also without a point especially on goal difference. Every goal could be the difference between going home or advancing.
However, their fate is no longer entirely in their hands. Senegal must beat Iraq and wait on results from other groups. If enough third-placed teams finish with 0 or 1 point, the Lions sneak through.
Six goals conceded in two games doesn’t speak well of an African team with one of the best squads coming into this competition. Aliou Cissé has four days to reorganize and re-strategize.
This is almost the same team that lifted AFCON 2021 and reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022. To go out in the group stage would be a massive blow.
Friday’s game against Iraq is a final. Not just for three points, but for pride, for legacy, for the millions of Senegalese fans who expect more. Beat Iraq convincingly, then watch the scoreboards and hope.
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