Senegal become the first African side at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to register a victory.

They survived a late scare to overcome persistent Qatar. The West African open up a two-goal advantage with strikes on either side of half-time

Mohammad Muntari hit back with Qatar’s first World Cup goal. Bamba Dieng wrapped up points with a late effort

Match recap – Senegal survived a second-half fright to defeat hosts Qatar and open their Group A account at this intriguing World Cup.

Qatar was markedly improved on their opening-day showing against Ecuador but conceded goals to Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou on either side of half-time.

Mohammad Muntari powered home a 78th-minute header to raise the possibility of an unlikely comeback. But Bamba Dieng swept home to ease Senegal’s nerves and complete a vital victory.

Key stat

Senegal hasn’t lost any of the five World Cup matches in which they have taken the lead (W3 D2).

Quotes

Senegal defender Youssouf Sabaly: “We managed to win, and it was important after a bad start. We’ll have a second chance. We have one more final to play, so; we’ll give everything.”

Player of the Match

Boulaye Dia

Qatar 1-3 Senegal | Group A

Goals: Senegal: Dia (41), Diédhiou (48), Dieng (84)

Qatar: Muntari (78)

Lift off for Senegal 🙌@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2022

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Rwandan referee Salma Mukansanga made history in Qatar after she became the first African woman to officiate a men’s World Cup in France 4-1 triumph over Australia in the Group D opener on Tuesday, November 22, at Al Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, in Qatar.

The popular Mukansaga, 34, was the fourth official assisting South Africa’s Victor Gomes, the centre referee, Zakhele Siwela and Lothian Souru Phatsoane.

Mukansanga is among three female referees selected for the first time for a men’s FIFA World Cup alongside Japanese Yamashita Yoshimi and French Stephanie Frappart.

Mukansanga made history at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when she was appointed as the center Referee for the game involving Zimbabwe and Guinea.

“I’m excited, and this is a privilege for me. I had never dreamed to go to the men’s World Cup,” Mukansanga told FIFA.com after her appointment.

“The first time I was nominated for World Cup was in France for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, so my next target was more at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2023.

“Being appointed to the Men’s World Cup is something new, another opportunity we get. It means FIFA recognises that women are working hard, that we are providing quality refereeing and that we can deliver and reach higher, up to the top of the men’s game.”

Female referee Salima Mukansanga makes history

Images of Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga, who was the 4th referee in France's 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.@FIFAWorldCup in Qatar @CAF_Media pic.twitter.com/MBd6f6yCIG

— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) November 23, 2022

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