Senegal made history on Friday by becoming the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, thrashing 10-man Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I encounter in Toronto. A stunning double from substitute Pape Gueye inspired the victory, which also improved Senegal's goal difference significantly, boosting their chances of reaching the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Senegal now have the best goal difference among teams on three points. Iraq, who endured a grueling qualifying campaign, exit the tournament without a single point.
Early Breakthrough and Red Card
Senegal struck early when Habib Diarra got the slightest touch to Abdoulaye Seck's header from a corner, scoring his first international goal since a friendly against England last year. Iraq's hopes suffered a major blow minutes later when defender Rebin Sulaka, brought into the starting lineup by coach Graham Arnold, was sent off after just 13 minutes. English referee Anthony Taylor issued the red card after consulting the VAR screen for fouling Sadio Mane when the Senegal star was clear on goal. This was the earliest red card of the nine shown in the World Cup so far, and the fourth fastest in tournament history.
First Half Dominance
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Iraq failed to create any chances in the remainder of the first half. Senegal, with their one-man advantage, could only muster one opportunity: Ismail Jacobs' fierce strike from outside the box went just wide with the goalkeeper beaten. The score remained 1-0 at halftime.
Second Half Onslaught
Senegal came out for the second half with renewed intensity. Iraq, further destabilized by a goalkeeper change at halftime—Ahmed Basil, who took a knock in the first half, was replaced by Jalal Hassan—survived early attacks but could not hold out. In the 56th minute, Ismaila Sarr tapped in his third goal of the tournament after a dreadful error by former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal deep inside his own half gifted Senegal possession. Sarr celebrated by lying on his back, pumping his fists with joy.
The Pape Gueye Show
Then came the Gueye show, which had fans off their seats. Within 89 seconds of coming on as a substitute, he unleashed a sublime curling effort from outside the box that gave Hassan no chance, making it 3-0 in the 59th minute. The Villarreal midfielder possibly outdid that effort with a vicious half-volley 12 minutes later that flew past the keeper. Arnold was reduced to leaning on the dugout and ruefully shaking his head.
Final Flourish
Iliman Ndiaye completed the scoring with another screamer eight minutes from time, sealing a historic 5-0 victory for Senegal. The win not only made Senegal the first African team to score five goals in a World Cup match but also kept their hopes of advancing alive as one of the best third-placed teams.
