Senegal became the first African team to win a match at the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday after defeating Poland 2-1.
Senegal took the lead in the first half following an own-goal from Thiago Cionek during the 37th minute.
Cionek struck out a leg in an attempt to block Idrissa Gueye’s shot wrong-footed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Senegal’s second goal was more like a gift after Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak’s backpass was intercepted by M’Baye Niang who was returning to the field from treatment.
Poland’s defence failed to notice Niang when he re-entered the field and got to the ball first and slipped past the goalkeeper who had rushed out of his area and Niang scored into an empty net.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Senegalese players as Senegal were making their first appearance at the World Cup since reaching the quarter-finals in 2002.
Krychowiak got Poland back in the game in the 86th minute after he headed in a free kick to end Poland’s streak of five straight scoreless World Cup openers.
Senegal is tied for the group lead with Japan, which upset Colombia 2-1 during their match on Tuesday.
Senegal will play Japan on Sunday.
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