Ecuador vs Senegal – Final showdown for Group A qualification
It’s winner takes all, as Ecuador face Senegal at the Khalifa International Stadium in a game that could see either side qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Ecuador’s surprise draw against the Netherlands last week means La Tri will go into the game knowing that a draw would be enough to see them through, as they currently sit on four points – one higher than their opponents.
For Senegal, their 3-1 win over hosts Qatar last week has put them in a position to snatch qualification at the final hurdle. Barring a shock Qatar win over the Netherlands by three or more goals, the Lions of Teranga must beat Ecuador to qualify.
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia, who has scored all three of his country’s goals at the tournament so far, was stretchered off injured in their draw against the Netherlands. His availability for the game is a serious doubt.
Manager Gustavo Alfaro may be forced to turn to Brighton & Hove Albion forward Jeremy Sarmiento or Imbabura man Kevin Rodriguez to fill the void up front.
Senegal could field the same starting line-up that helped see off Qatar just four days ago, including strong defensive duo Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo.
Up top, Senegal have missed the presence of star man Sadio Mané who was ruled out of the whole tournament before it began. Strike pair Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou, both grabbed their first goals of the tournament in their game against Qatar.
Elsewhere in the group Qatar face the Netherlands in a game that could see the Dutch top the group, and Qatar become the first World Cup home nation to fail to win a single game at the tournament.
Both games kick off at 15:00 GMT on the 29th of November.
