Sports

#Worldcup 2018: Senegal beat Poland to become the first African team to secure a win

Published

6 years ago

June 19, 2018

Senegal defeated Poland 2-1 to become first African team to secure a win in the on going 2018 FIFA World Cup. Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak scored a goal but made a costly error as Senegal began their World Cup campaign with victory.

With Senegal ahead through a first-half own goal by Thiago Cionek, Krychowiak played a high, aimless backpass that striker M’Baye Niang controlled ahead of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny before tapping into an empty net.

Krychowiak pulled a goal back in the 86th minute with a header from Kamil Grosicki’s free-kick but Senegal held on.

Poland are the highest-ranked side in Group H at number eight in the world, but struggled to create further chances with a free-kick from captain Robert Lewandowski one of just four shots on target.

Senegal, making only their second World Cup appearance, join Japan – who beat Colombia earlier on Tuesday – on three points at the top of the group.

More to follow.