By: Michael Okuley, Doha
The host nation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has been booted out of the competition following their 1-3 loss to Senegal in the second group game at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Both teams were fighting for their first win after their opening-day defeats to brighten their chances of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Teranga Lions striker Boulaye Dia drilled in the first goal following a defensive hiccup from Qatar defender Boualem Khoukhi in the 41st minute. The Qatari trouble was doubled by Famara Diedhiou at the start of the second half with a header from a corner before a goal from substitute Muntari Muhammed gave the host a glimmer of hope in the 78th minute.
Their hopes for coming into the game lasted for only six minutes as Bamba Dieng puts a seal on the triumph to make it 3-1 for the African giants.
Qatar’s defeat to Senegal makes them the first country to exit the tournament and the first World Cup host nation to exit the competition at the group stage after South Africa in 2010.
Having lost their two opening games, Qatar will officially be eliminated by Friday if the Netherlands and Ecuador draw in the other Group A game even with a game to spare.
The win has taken Senegal to 3rd place with 3pts in Group A and are a win away from qualifying for the next stage.
