Senegal become the first African team to win a game at Russia 2018, and it’s their first World Cup finals victory since 2002, defeating Poland 2-1, redeeming the image of Africa.
The four first countries went down one by one – Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and Tunisia all lost their opening matches.
After a neat move, Senegal open the scoring after Idrissa Gueye’s shot was deflected in by Thiago Cionek, a deserved lead for the Lions of Teranga.
Niang would later extend Senegal’s lead.
He was able to impose his power and speed and pounce on the poor backpass by Poland midfielder Krychowiak and round Szczesny before tapping in.
Poland finally conceded a goal against an African team for the first time at the World Cup finals (in their fourth game).
Before the match, Poland fans’ biggest worry was Nawalka’s team’s defence without Glik.
But Poland definitely need to create more scoring chances in front of Senegal’s goal.
Robert Lewandowski often stressed that during big tournaments he is double-marked and will not get too many scoring opportunities.
We witnessed the same here. It looks like Nawalka will not wait long to make some changes.
After a lot of missed chances, Senegal eventually found a solution thanks to its left flank.
The runs of Mbaye Niang have forced the Polish to make mistakes.
But Senegal has to be concentrated throughout this second half if they are to hold on to this narrow lead.
Grzegorz Krychowiak later scored for Poland four minutes to the end of the match.
HOW THEY STAND
