By Macdella Eyong Bessong
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Senegal delivered a ruthless, flawless performance to hammer 10-man Iraq 5-0 in their final group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto.
The result ends Iraq’s tournament officially and keeps Senegal in contention for a Round of 32 spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
The match tilted in favour of Senegal the moment defense man Rebin Sulaka was sent off after a VAR review for pulling down Sadio Mané as he was through on goal, just thirteen minutes into the game.
Pape Thiaw’s boys took an early lead courtesy of a strike from Habib Diarra, a lead they help until the end of the first segment.
Senegal ran riot after Half time; Lamine Camara set up Ismaïla Sarr who made it 2-0 in the 56th minute, his third goal of the tournament, Substitute Pape Gueye then stole the show with a brace—a curling strike from outside the box for 3-0, then a first-time volley for 4-0.
Iliman Ndiaye capped their applaude performance with a powerful finish in the 82nd minute, at this point, Iraq could not contain Senegal’s pace and depth.
After an unconvincing first half, Senegal were clinical against a tired, reduced Iraq side and Pape Gueye’s double off the bench was the highlight, including what could be described as an “absolute perfect goal” from a distance.
With zero points from their first two games, having failed to beat France and Norway, Senegal needed a big win. They got it, and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
The huge +2 goals difference boost puts them 5th in the third-place rankings and the Teranga Lions must now wait to see if they will advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams, hopefully they are not outsmarted by the other teams in contention yet to play their final matches.
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