Teranga Lions deliver a dominant display after Iraq’s early red card to strengthen their bid for a FIFA World Cup knockout place

The Senegal national team kept their FIFA World Cup campaign alive with an emphatic 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq on Friday, producing a commanding display to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

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The Teranga Lions took control from the opening whistle and capitalised on Iraq’s early numerical disadvantage, delivering one of their most convincing performances of the competition.

Senegal made the perfect start when Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute, converting from a corner to hand the African side an early advantage and settle any nerves.

The match swung decisively in Senegal’s favour nine minutes later after Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off. Referee Anthony Taylor upgraded an initial yellow card to a straight red following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, ruling that Sulaka’s challenge warranted a dismissal.

Reduced to 10 men with more than 75 minutes still to play, Iraq struggled to contain Senegal’s relentless attacking pressure despite showing resilience for the remainder of the first half.

Senegal returned after the interval with renewed purpose and doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Ismaila Sarr capitalised on a defensive mistake to finish calmly.

Substitute Pape Gueye then put the result beyond doubt with a clinical brace, finding the net in the 59th and 71st minutes to complete a devastating spell of attacking football.

Iliman Ndiaye rounded off the impressive performance in the 82nd minute, unleashing a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area to seal Senegal’s biggest victory of the tournament.

The comprehensive win restored confidence after earlier setbacks and significantly improved Senegal’s goal difference, a factor that could prove crucial in the race to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams.

Senegal’s attacking efficiency, disciplined defensive display and ability to exploit their numerical advantage highlighted the team’s growing momentum at a decisive stage of the tournament.

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The performance also demonstrated the squad’s depth, with substitutes making a significant impact as the Teranga Lions kept their FIFA World Cup ambitions firmly on course.