Senegal's Two-Goal Lead Slips Away As Belgium Reach Last 16

Senegal's Two-Goal Lead Slips Away As Belgium Reach Last 16

By Niyi Busari 

Belgium produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter on Wednesday in Seattle, Washington, booking their place in the last 16, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Lions of Teranga appeared to be cruising into the next round after first-half goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr handed them a deserved two-goal advantage. However, Belgium fought back through substitute Romelu Lukaku before captain Youri Tielemans struck twice—including a dramatic extra-time penalty—to complete an unlikely turnaround.

Senegal dominated the opening exchanges and created the better chances. Sarr nearly broke the deadlock within the opening 15 minutes when he connected with a cross, only to see his effort strike the post before his follow-up attempt drifted wide.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 25th minute. Sadio Mané delivered a teasing cross from the left, and although Sarr's header came back off the post, Diarra reacted quickest to tap into an empty net with Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stranded.

The West Africans doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Moussa Niakhaté's perfectly weighted pass split the Belgian defence, allowing Sarr to race through and fire an emphatic finish beyond Courtois.

With Belgium facing elimination, coach's substitutions transformed the contest. Lukaku ignited the comeback in the 86th minute, arriving at the near post to convert Thomas Meunier's cross and reduce the deficit.

Belgium completed their dramatic fightback moments before the end of regulation time. Goalkeeper Mory Diaw failed to deal with Leandro Trossard's cross, missing his attempted punch and allowing Tielemans to head into an unguarded net to force extra time.

Despite Senegal enjoying the better of the additional 30 minutes, Belgium earned a decisive opportunity deep into extra time. Diego Moreira's low delivery found Tielemans inside the penalty area, where the midfielder was brought down by Lamine Camara.

Following an extended Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, referee Saíd Martínez awarded a penalty. Tielemans calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Diaw the wrong way to seal a dramatic victory for the Red Devils.

Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Seattle.