Ecuador vs Senegal LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction as Kalidou Koulibaly seals spot in last 16

Ecuador vs Senegal

• Senegal defeat Ecuador 2-1 to reach last 16 at World Cup 2022

• Kalidou Koulibaly scores as Senegal overcome Ecuador to clinch World Cup last-16 berth

• 90+7’ - FULL TIME Senegal run down clock to reach knockout rounds (ECU 1-2 SEN)

• 70’ - GOAL! Kalidou Koulibaly sends Senegal back in front (ECU 1-2 SEN)

• 67’ - GOAL! Moises Caicedo taps in from a corner to bring Ecuador level (ECU 1-1 SEN)

• 51’ - UPDATE Netherlands add a second against Qatar in other Group A game (ECU 0-1 SEN)

• 44’ - GOAL! Sarr puts Senegal ahead from the spot (ECU 0-1 SEN)

• 41’ - PENALTY! Sarr is brought down by Hincapie in the box (ECU 0-0 SEN)

• 30’ - UPDATE Cody Gakpo scores for Netherlands adding pressure on Senegal to win (ECU 0-0 SEN)

• 24’ - CLOSE! Ismaila Sarr curls a shot over the top (ECU 0-0 SEN)

• 8’ - MISS! Boulaye Dia pulls one wide after being played in behind (ECU 0-0 SEN)

• 3’ - CHANCE! Idrissa Gueye shoots wide in early opportunity for Senegal (ECU 0-0 SEN)

FT Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

17:29 , Michael Jones

Kalidou Koulibaly scores as Senegal overcome Ecuador to clinch World Cup last-16 berth

17:20 , Michael Jones

A expertly-executed volley from Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly sent Senegal through to the last 16 of the World Cup for only the second time in their history after a 2-1 success over a heartbroken Ecuador.

With the Netherlands cruising to victory over Qatar to seal top spot in Group A across Doha, Senegal knew they had to win to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2002, where the winner of England’s group will lie in wait.

At the start of the tournament, the withdrawal of all-time top goalscorer Sadio Mane was the moment many believed Senegal’s World Cup 2022 campaign would start to unravel, but other Premier League players past and present saw them over the line, with their colourful supporters unable to contain their emotions on the final whistle.

You don’t get a more awe-inspiring spectacle than Ecuador against at a World Cup. Despite the exorbitant costs of travelling to Qatar, both sets of supporters headed to the Middle East in great number, wearing all manner of costumes, making all manner of noise.

Koulibaly scores as Senegal overcome Ecuador to clinch World Cup last-16 berth

FT Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

17:17 , Michael Jones

Kalidou Koulibaly’s winning goal made him Senegal’s oldest goalscorer at the World Cup at the age of 31 years 162 days. He is also their first ever scorer at the tournament to be aged over 30.

The winning goal was Koulibaly’s first ever goal for the Lions of Teranga in 67 appearances across all competitions. There’s probably no better time to break your duck is there?

World Cup Group A: Five talking points as England learn likely last-16 opponents

17:14 , Michael Jones

Group A has become the first of the eight at the World Cup 2022 to conclude, after Tuesday afternoon’s clashes ended in a somewhat less tense manner than might have been the case.

Netherlands dispatched with Qatar in fairly routine fashion, 2-0 the scoreline there, while Senegal produced the victory over Ecuador they needed to also make the last 16, a 2-1 win being deserve on the balance of play.

Here are five talking points from the two games played simultaneously to wrap up Group A:

World Cup Group A talking points as England learn likely last-16 opponents

FT Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

17:09 , Michael Jones

It’s a painful exit to a great World Cup outing from Ecuador. They just fell at the final hurdle.

Senegal meanwhile are on cloud nine. After a defeat in their first match to the Netherlands, the African champions responded with two wins from two to get themselves into the last 16.

Full-time: Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:59 , Michael Jones

90+7 mins: Senegal win! They join the Netherlands in the last 16. It’s a gutting defeat for Ecuador who believed they could make it through.

Moises Caicedo thought his equaliser was enough to get them there but Kalidou Koulibaly’s glorious finish sends the Lions of Teranga into the knockout rounds!

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:58 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Boulaye Dia is shuffled off the pitch as Pape Cisse gets brought on for the final couple of minutes. Senegal have their eyes on the clock.

Aliou Cisse is nervously pacing on the sidelines.

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:54 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: A high cross is whipped over to the back post but the ball comes out to Cifuentes who the wins a corner for Ecuador.

The goalkeeper isn’t coming up though. The delivery is decent and Edouard Mendy flaps it behind for another set piece.

The next corner is fizzed in by Sarmiento but Senegal deal with it at the near post. There’s loads of pressure on the African champions now.

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:52 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play! Ecuador need to score. Whoever scores next will surely go through, as it stands Senegal have the advantage.

Will there be some late, late drama?

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:51 , Michael Jones

88 mins: Angelo Preciado is coming off for Jackson Porozo in another Ecuadorian change. Senegal continue to run down the clock.

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:48 , Michael Jones

85 mins: Well then.

This is an opportunity for Ecuador who win a free kick inside Senegal’s half. Plata floats an aerial pass into the box but there’s a foul against one of the defenders and the attack breaks down.

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:45 , Michael Jones

82 mins: Close! A lovely spin from Boulaye Dia sees him get into the penalty area as the ball is played up to him. He gets in behind Pervis Estupinan and then smokes a powerful shot wide of the near post!

A goal there would have sealed qualification for Senegal.

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:41 , Michael Jones

79 mins: Ismaila Sarr wins Senegal a corner and they take their time getting set up for the set piece. Ismail Jakobs whips in the cross and looks to target Kalidou Koulibaly but he fails to win the ball and Ecuador eventually scramble it clear.

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:38 , Michael Jones

76 mins: Less than 15 minutes to go now and Ecuador need to score again. Sarmiento sends the ball into the penalty area and Preciado arrives to keep the attack alive.

He nods it over to Gonzalo Plata who brings it down and hits a shot straight at Edouard Mendy!

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal

16:36 , Michael Jones

73 mins: Nampalys Mendy and Bamba Dieng now come on for Senegal to replace Pathe Ciss and Iliman Ndiaye.

What drama. Ecuador score to send themselves ahead of Senegal in the group before Koulibaly’s rocket puts the African champions back ahead.

GOAL! Ecuador 1-2 Senegal (Koulibaly, 70’)⚽️

16:32 , Michael Jones

70 mins: Immediate response!

Senegal win a free kick over on the right wing that Idrissa Gueye swings into the middle of the penalty area. The ball hits Enner Valencia and bounces over to Kalidou Koulibaly who meets the ball on the volley and finishes it like a striker with a barnstorming shot back across goal!

Just two and a half minutes separate the two goals!

GOAL! Ecuador 1-1 Senegal (Caicedo, 67’)⚽️

16:29 , Michael Jones

67 mins: Massive goal!

It’s the Brighton man Moises Caicedo who gives Ecuador a huge game-changing equaliser. A corner ball is curled into the middle of the box and gets headed over to Caicedo by the back post.

Youssouf Sabaly is slow to come off the line and plays the midfielder onside as he turns it into the back of the net!

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:26 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Ecuador send on some fresh legs at the top end of the pitch with Néicer Reasco brought on to replace Michael Estrada. Time is running out for the South American side.

Senegal are managing the game decently. They’re breaking up play, winning fouls and stopping Ecuador from playing with pace.

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:21 , Michael Jones

60 mins: One hour played and Ecuador have been in the ascendancy since the game restarted for the second half. For all their pressure though they’ve only troubled Edouard Mendy once.

Senegal send the ball long and Pape Gueye brings it under control. He gives it to Ismaila Sarr who draws a foul out of Angelo Preciado to win a free kick.

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:20 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Jeremy Sarmiento feeds the ball over to Pervis Estupinan on the left wing who curls in a cross. Michael Estrada runs towards the dropping ball and meets it with a header before nodding his header wide of the target!

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:18 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Angelo Preciado makes a decent run down the right wing for Ecuador and swings in a cross but he doesn’t manage to pick out a teammate and Senegal clear their lines.

Edouard Mendy has had a quiet game so far but he needs to remain alert as Ecuador seek this equaliser.

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:13 , Michael Jones

51 mins: The Netherlands have added a second goal against Qatar and are now firmly into the last 16.

Ecuador have released the shackles and are now taking the game to the African champions in a reverse situation to the first half. It’s on Senegal to control this game now and see it out.

La Tri have to score.

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:11 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Shot! Jose Cifuentes gets involved straight away. He makes his way into space on the inside right side of Senegal’s final third and receives the ball.

Senegal drop off him and allow the substitute time to get a shot away which bounces low through the box and comes safely to Edouard Mendy who keeps it out.

Second half: Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:08 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Senegal get the match back underway as Ecuador make a double change at the break. Alan Franco and Carlos Gruezo are hooked with Jeremy Sarmiento and Jose Cifuentes introduced.

HT Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

16:00 , Michael Jones

As things stand, the Netherlands and Senegal are heading into the last 16. Louis van Gaal’s men will finish top of Group A with the African champions taking second spot at the expense of Ecuador.

Qatar are also facing the possibility of becoming to first ever host nation to score zero points during the group stages.

HT Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

15:56 , Michael Jones

Ismaila Sarr gives Senegal the lead against Ecuador in this Group A decider? Can the African champions hold on and get themselves into the knockout rounds?

Half-time: Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

15:52 , Michael Jones

45+6 mins: There goes the whistle to send the teams into the break. Senegal started the match rapidly and piled immense pressure of Ecuador’s defence.

The South American side kept them at bay though and it needed a penalty kick - won and scored by Ismaila Sarr - to send the African champions in front.

Ecuador cannot afford to lose this game. They’ll need to respond in the second half.

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

15:49 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: Ndiaye wins another corner for Senegal who have been the better team in this half. Idrissa Gueye swings in the set piece but it’s headed out for a throw in by the Ecuadorian centre-backs.

When the ball comes back in play, Youssouf Sabaly comes together with Enner Valencia which leaves the Ecuadorian captain on the deck.

Ecuador 0-1 Senegal

15:46 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Six minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.

GOAL! Ecuador 0-1 Senegal (Sarr, 44’)⚽️

15:45 , Michael Jones

44 mins: Senegal take the lead! Ismaila Sarr shuffles up to the ball and slots it calmly into the bottom right-hand corner as Hernan Galindez holds his ground.

Senegal now have the advantage in this must win game!

Penalty to Senegal!

15:43 , Michael Jones

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

41 mins: Huge moment! Ismaila Sarr comes into the box from the left and gets a touch on the ball as it’s flicked over the top. Piero Hincapie is clumsy as he sprints back and he runs straight into the winger with both men tumbling to the ground.

There’s a VAR check but this one isn’t going to be overturned.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:38 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Aliou Cisse is marshalling his players from the Senegal dugouts as Gustavo Alfaro watches on contemplatively.

Senegal swing a deep free kick and pick out Pathe Ciss who loops his headed effort over the crossbar!

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:36 , Michael Jones

33 mins: The quick fire nature of the match has developed into a more tactical battle as Senegal look to move the ball up the pitch more often.

Ismail Jakobs sends the ball long from the his own half but can’t pick out one of the Senegal forwards and Ecuador take over possession once more.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:31 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Cody Gakpo has scored for the Netherlands in their match against Qatar. That reinforces the need for Senegal to win this game as that is the only way they can qualify for the last 16 - barring a miraculous comeback from Qatar of course.

The contest has died down into a closely fought affair. Ecuador are seeing more possession in the middle of the pitch without overcommitting themselves and becoming vulnerable at the back.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:28 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Galindez controls his area confidently once more and punches the corner kick clear. He’s been a commanding presence at the back for Ecuador so far.

Ecuador then come down the right side of the pitch and put the ball into the box. Kalidou Koulibaly deals with it and runs the ball away before being brought down by Michael Estrada.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:25 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Ecuador have tightened things up defensively making it more difficult for Senegal to get the ball into the box.

Close! Sarr nicks the ball off Preciado - who’s back on the pitch - and cuts in from the left wing. He rolls the ball onto his right foot and curls a decent effort just over the top of the far corner.

The referee thinks there’s a deflection on the effort and awards Senegal a corner too.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:21 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Kalidou Koulibaly is the target from the set piece but goalkeeper Hernan Galindez is confident to come out and punch the ball clear for Ecuador.

Ouch! Angelo Preciado and Ismaila Sarr collide in a 50/50 challenge with the Ecuadorian coming off worse. He stays down and needs a bit of treatment from the medical staff.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:18 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Idrissa Gueye flicks a wayward cross into the penalty area as Senegal get three or four men into the box. The ball comes over to Ismaila Sarr who can’t quite control it on his chest and it skips by him before bouncing out for an Ecuador throw in.

They don’t keep the ball for long before Senegal turn over possession. Idrissa Gueye receives it and drives down the right before winning a corner for his side.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:15 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Quarter of an hour played and the Ecuador fans will be the more nervous. Senegal have started as the better side, creating two or three decent chances already yet La Tri continue to get the ball up the pitch.

A cross comes over to leading goalscorer, Enner Valencia, but he can’t control it and Senegal scramble the ball clear. There’s no way this game will end goalless, especially if both sides keep up this intensity.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:12 , Michael Jones

11 mins: Ndiaye has made a decent start to the game for Senegal. He’s moving the ball nicely and getting himself into space to push the African champions up the pitch.

The forward gets wide on the right and sends a low ball into the box. Ismaila Sarr arrives at the back post but Ecuador turn it behind for a corner.

The set piece is then swung into the box but the South Americans defend it well.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:10 , Michael Jones

8 mins: Shot! Senegal get in again after a long ball is poorly cleared by Piero Hincapie. He nods the ball to Iliman Ndiaye who plays it inside to Youssouf Sabaly who’s bombed up the pitch.

Sabaly slides a dainty pass into the penalty area where Boulaye Dia breaks through the lines and hooks a shot wide of the far post!

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:07 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Ecuador have set up with a narrow shape and an aggressive mindset which is giving Senegal freedom on the wider areas to push up the pitch.

The South American side seem keen to score and impose themselves on the match.

Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:04 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Chance! Oh my days. Senegal should be in front.

Pape Gueye is given the ball on the left wing and storms down the line before bringing the ball to the edge of the penalty area. He squares a pass over to Idrissa Gueye who collects the ball in space.

He shifts to the right then laces his shot narrowly wide of the post! The Everton midfielder needs to hit the target there!

Kick off: Ecuador 0-0 Senegal

15:01 , Michael Jones

Ecuador get the ball rolling in this must-win Group A decider. They send the ball long a couple of times but some physical defending from Kalidou Koulibaly sees Senegal keep them at bay.

Ecuador vs Senegal

14:56 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams!

They stride purposefully onto the pitch and belt out the national anthems. By five o’clock we’ll know which teams have qualified from Group A.

Who will go through, Ecuador or Senegal?

‘Cool headed’ Senegal dealing with pressure

14:52 , Michael Jones

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has urged his players “not to overthink” today’s must-win clash and has told them to keep “cool heads” throughout the game.

“We are OK, we are dealing with pressure and stress. For me it is good stress,” he added when addressing the media.

Ecuador vs Senegal

14:48 , Michael Jones

Ecuador are aiming to reach the last 16 for just the second time in their history and the first time since 2006.

Senegal can live up to their title of African champions with a good run through the World Cup and that starts today if they can reach the knockout stages.

Ecuador vs Senegal

14:44 , Michael Jones

The stage is set and the fans are ready. Kick off between Ecuador and Senegal is just over 15 minutes away.

Leading from the front

14:39 , Michael Jones

Ecuador captain Enner Valencia has scored six World Cup goals for Ecuador, twice as many as any other player (Agustin Delgado has three). He’s scored those six goals from just nine shots on target.

Valencia has also scored each of Ecuador’s last six goals at the World Cup, the first player to do so for a single nation since Oleg Salenko for Russia in 1994.

He could become the first player in World Cup history to score seven goals in a row for a nation.

Can Ecuador qualify?

14:35 , Michael Jones

If they avoid defeat, Ecuador will qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the second time in their history, also doing so in the 2006 edition in Germany.

It would also be the first time they’ve gone through an entire group stage unbeaten.

The South American team would also likely face England in the last 16 too.

Ecuador vs Senegal prediction

14:31 , Michael Jones

Senegal have nothing to lose as they look to progress to the last-16 while Ecuador can afford to draw.

The fitness of Enner Valencia could be pivotal though even without their main man, the South Americans showed enough quality against the Netherlands to merit their favourites tag here.

Ecuador 2-1 Senegal.

Advantage Ecuador?

14:27 , Michael Jones

This is Ecuador’s first World Cup match against an African nation.

Opponents Senegal are winless in both of their previous World Cup games against South American sides, with both of these coming in the final group game of a tournament (3-3 against Uruguay in 2002, 0-1 against Colombia in 2018).

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore

14:22 , Michael Jones

It is one of the regular moments of harsh reality that takes you out of the illusion that is this World Cup. As the taxi driver drops the group off, there is a sudden plea. It is not for a five-star rating.

“Can you give me a tip please?”, he asks. “I have no money to eat.”

The driver, of south Asian descent, sends almost everything he earns back to his family. This is supposed to be the long-awaited period when such workers can generate income due to the number of visitors to Qatar but here is another who is just starving.

Anyone who has been in Doha for the first week of this World Cup would have had many similar stories pass in front of their eyes. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre said on Sunday that there had been six cases of migrant worker abuse reported in that time alone.

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore, but that is unavoidable, given they are utterly essential to the running of this tournament.

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore

Ecuador vs Senegal team changes

14:17 , Michael Jones

Ecuador make two changes from their match against the Netherlands with Alan Franco and Carlos Gruezo coming into the midfield for Jackson Porozo and the suspended Jhegson Mendez.

Senegal, meanwhile, make three changes for the must-win Group A finale as Aliou Cisse brings in forward Iliman Ndiaye, Pape Gueye and Pathe Ciss.

Louis van Gaal again critical of Dutch display against ‘much better’ Ecuador

14:12 , Michael Jones

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal was again unimpressed by his side’s ability to maintain ball possession as they had to cling on for a point against Ecuador.

The Oranje scored early through a bullet strike from PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo but that was one of only two efforts on target they had in the whole match.

Ecuador in contrast put in a barnstorming display and were unlucky to come away with only a draw, as captain Enner Valencia seized on a rebound to score his third goal of the tournament early in the second half.

Louis van Gaal again critical of Dutch display against ‘much better’ Ecuador

Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro hopes ‘feisty’ Enner Valencia is fit to face Senegal

14:06 , Michael Jones

Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro is confident captain and talisman Enner Valencia will be fit and firing for his side’s decisive final World Cup group game against Senegal.

Former West Ham and Everton striker Valencia has scored all three of Ecuador’s goals in the tournament so far but is carrying a knee injury.

The 33-year-old struck twice in the 2-0 opening-night win over hosts Qatar and then grabbed the vital equaliser in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro hopes ‘feisty’ Enner Valencia is fit to face Senegal

Who will reach last 16?

14:00 , Michael Jones

It is rare that the final matches of the World Cup group stages hold any weight but this tournament is set for some fireworks.

Today alone three teams from Group A - Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands - can all make it into the last 16 before this evening’s matches have all four teams in Group B - including England and Wales - in with a chance of making the knockout stages.

Both Group A fixtures kick off simultaneously at 3pm and will set the stage for high drama to come as the group stages come to a close this week.

Ecuador vs Senegal line-ups

13:53 , Michael Jones

Ecuador XI: Galindez, Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Franco, Gruezo, Caicedo, Plata, Estrada, Valencia

Senegal XI: Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diallo, Ciss, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, I. Gueye, Sarr, Dia

The best World Cup in Ecuadorean history?

13:50 , Michael Jones

Ecuador boss, Gustavo Alfaro, says he wants his Ecuador side to make history as they vie for a place in the last 16. The South American side will qualify for the next round if they avoid defeat against Senegal this afternoon.

Alfaro’s side are second in Group A after beating Qatar and drawing against group leaders the Netherlands.

"I’m convinced we’ve done everything we can, we’ve done our homework," Alfaro said.

"We respect the pecking order, but we don’t need to be fearful. We remain calm but that doesn’t mean we are over-confident - we are not triumphalist,

"We are not just thinking of getting a draw. We want to progress, we want to seal our passage, we want to play the best World Cup in Ecuadorean history."

Should Ecuador progress, they will match their all-time best World Cup showing when they reached the last 16 at Germany 2006, where they were knocked out by England.

Ecuador vs Senegal early team news and predicted line-ups

13:46 , Michael Jones

Ecuador are sweating on the fitness of their captain and talisman Enner Valencia, who went off on a stretcher in the final moments of the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands with a knee injury. Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento or Kevin Rodriguez are the obvious replacements should Valencia not be fit.

As for Senegal, they have no injury concerns and are likely to stick with a similar XI to the one which beat Qatar - with the likes of Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr involved.

Predicted line-ups:

Ecuador XI: Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Sarmiento; Estrada

Senegal XI: Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou

Ecuador vs Senegal

13:42 , Michael Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of this deciding match in Group A as Ecuador and Senegal both vie for a place in the last 16 at World Cup 2022.

Ecuador have the slight edge as they sit on four points meaning that a draw against the African champions would safely see them through to the next round. Senegal must win to guarantee a spot in the knockout rounds.

There is also a slight chance that both teams could progress but that scenario is based on the Netherlands losing to Qatar which is highly unlikely even in this World Cup of shock underdog victories.

Kick off for both matches in Group A is at 3pm and we’ll bring all the action and ramifications as the group stages heads to a thrilling conclusion.