Ecuador were in pole position to qualify heading into the game, knowing that a point would be enough to see them through to the round of 16. However, somewhat surprisingly, they were well off the pace in the first half.
Senegal, realistically needing a victory to advance, started with real intent and went close after just three minutes when a flowing move ended with the ball being worked to Idrissa Gueye, who fired just wide of the right post from inside the area.
Ecuador head coach Gustavo Alfaro will have been concerned by the start his team made, with Senegal going close again five minutes later when Boulaye Dia fired just wide of the left post.
Ismaïla Sarr was a constant menace down the left flank for Senegal in the first half, and the Watford winger earned his team a penalty as he broke into the area before being brought down by Piero Hincapié.
With qualification potentially resting on his shoulders, he displayed real composure to step up and roll the ball into the right corner, making it 1-0.
Although they trailed, Ecuador knew they only needed one goal to put themselves back in the driving seat, and after struggling for much of the second half, they eventually found a way through.
In the 67th minute, Félix Torres headed a corner into the path of the unmarked Moisés Caicedo, who diverted it in from close range to swing the pendulum back in La Tri’s favour.
However, their jubilation quickly turned to dejection two minutes later when a Senegal free-kick into the area found its way to Kalidou Koulibaly, and the captain powered it home to restore Senegal’s lead.
Ecuador, fighting for their WC lives, pushed relentlessly for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Senegal held on to reach the knockout stages for the first time since the 2002 edition in Korea and Japan.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
