AfriPulse
June 26 (THEWILL) — Senegal delivered one of the most devastating performances of the FIFA World Cup group stage on Friday, crushing 10-man Iraq 5-0 in a one-sided Group I encounter that confirmed the Lions of Teranga as genuine contenders for the title.
The African champions wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead inside four minutes through a flowing attacking move involving Sadio Mané and his teammates.
Iraq’s task became significantly more difficult in the 13th minute when a straight red card reduced them to 10 men, leaving the Middle Eastern side chasing shadows for the remainder of the contest.
Although Senegal entered halftime with only a single-goal advantage, they returned after the break with ruthless intent. The second goal arrived in the 56th minute before the West Africans tore Iraq apart with two more strikes in the space of just three minutes, scoring in the 57th and 59th minutes to effectively end the contest.
A fifth goal in the 82nd minute completed a remarkable display that highlighted Senegal’s attacking depth and relentless intensity.
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The statistics reflected the complete dominance of Pape Thiaw’s side. Senegal controlled 69 per cent of possession, unleashed 30 shots with 12 on target, and earned 12 corner kicks while allowing Iraq only six attempts throughout the match, with just one testing goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf. Iraq’s difficult evening was compounded by two injuries in addition to the early dismissal.
Inspired by standout displays from Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye, Senegal produced one of the tournament’s biggest victories and head into the knockout rounds brimming with confidence after sending a powerful warning to the remaining contenders.
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