Senegal qualify for 2018 World Cup after victory over South Africa

The Teranga Lions of Senegal have qualified for the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia after defeating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.

The game was a replay between the two countries after their first meeting which South Africa won 2-1 on November 12, 2016 was cancelled after the referee was found to have been compromised.



Two first half goals from West Ham United’s Diafra Sakho and an own goal from Thamsanqa Mkhize secured Senegal’s second World Cup qualification, their first since Korea/Japan 2002.

Going into the game, South Africa needed an outright win to give hope to their slim chance of making it to Russia.

The win took Senegal to an unassailable 11 points after five games, while South Africa remain rooted at the bottom on four points.

Sakho put Senegal 1-0 up in the 12th minute as he slid the ball past Itumeleng Khune after he was set up by a sublime Sadio Mane pass.

In the 38th minute, Senegal doubled their lead following an unfortunate own goal by Thamsanqa Mkhize after Khune had saved Mane’s initial attempt.

Senegal have now joined Nigeria and Egypt as the three African countries who have so far qualified for the 2018 World Cup.

Senegal will host South Africa on Tuesday, November 14 in an inconsequential game in their last African qualifying Group D fixture.

Meanwhile, Group D’s other teams, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde, will do battle in Ouagadougou in another inconsequential match.

Burkina Faso currently occupy second place on six points, while Cape Verde also on six points are third