There will be all to play for at the Khalifa International Stadium when African champions, Senegal, seek a knockout place after 20 years in a game against Ecuador.
The Teranga Lions kept their qualification dream alive when they bounced back from a late defeat against Netherlands. They finally got it right against Qatar, without their marksman, Sadio Mane as Boulaye Día and Famara Diedhiou scored before Bamba Dieng cemented the victory when Mohammed Muntari pulled one back for the hosts.
Ecuador also followed their opening-day success with a thrilling performance against three-time finalists Netherlands. Enner Valencia, the South American team’s skipper, came to their rescue after their first goal was declared offside. After Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead, the Fernabache attacker trucked home a rebound. The result kept the group open for all teams except Qatar, and the match between Senegal and Ecuador will undoubtedly be the highlight of the third round of games in Group A.
While Senegal seeks a knockout spot since 2002, their opponents will also be chasing the same achievement after 16 years.
Ecuador will just need to avoid defeat to advance to the next round, whilst Senegal will need to win to secure themselves a knockout place regardless of the outcome elsewhere. If Senegal draws, they must anticipate Qatar to beat the Netherlands by more than two goals in order to qualify.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Ecuador remain undefeated in their last five matches while conceding a single goal throughout. For Senegal, they have finally bounced back with a win after three games. Their only defeat in their last five matches has been their World Cup opener against Netherlands.
ECUADOR’S FORM
25 November 2022 Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador 2022 World Cup Group A
20 November 2022 Qatar 0-2 Ecuador 2022 World Cup Group A
12 November 2022 Ecuador 0–0 Iraq Friendly
27 September 2022 Japan 0–0 Ecuador Friendly
23 September 2022 Saudi Arabia 0–0 Ecuador Friendly
SENEGAL’S FORM
25 November 2022 Qatar 1-3 Senegal 2022 World Cup Group A
21 November 2022 Senegal 0-2 Netherlands 2022 World Cup Group A
27 September Iran 1–1 Senegal Friendly
24 September Bolivia 0–2 Senegal Friendly
7 June 2022 Rwanda 0–1 Senegal 2023 AFCON Qualifier
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides will be meeting for the second time after 20 years. Senegal recorded a narrow victory in that encounter.
23 May 2002 Ecuador 0-1 Senegal International Friendly
TEAM NEWS
ECUADOR
The man responsible for all three goals for Ecuador, Enner Valencia was subbed for the second time in their previous game. However, he is expected to start against Senegal in this crucial encounter.
PREDICTED LINE UP
(3-4-2-1): Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Sarmiento; Valencia.
SENEGAL
There are no doubts for Aliou Cisse’s side as Koubilally and Abdou Diallo gets set to start in defense.
PREDICTED LINE UP
(4-4-2): Mendy; Sabaly, Koubilally, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou