Senegal let a two-goal lead slip late in the game to endure a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Belgium in their World Cup round-of-32 clash in Seattle on Wednesday.
The West African side had appeared to be cruising into the next stage, but allowed Belgium to level the game in the final four minutes of normal time, before conceding a penalty that Youri Tielemans converted in the 125th minute.
These are the Senegal player ratings from the match:
Mory Diaw (5): You could say there was not much he could do for two of the goals, but Diaw came out to punch a cross and missed, allowing Tielemans to score a header and make the game 2-2.
Krepin Diatta (6): Had to scramble at times and made seven recoveries, but like most of the Senegal defence, was reasonably comfortable for 86 minutes of the game.
Pathe Ciss (7): A solid game at the back, he made eight clearances and seven progressive carries. It was his first start of the competition.
Moussa Niakhate (8): He has been excellent in this tournament and had another strong showing with an assist, the creation of another big chance and a passing accuracy of 94 per cent. Has been a top performer in every game.
Ismail Jakobs (6): The left-back looked dangerous going forward but only won three of his 10 duels and was beaten on several occasions.
Habib Diarra (8): The 22-year-old midfielder scored the first goal and was excellent throughout, though he did also miss an opportunity to make the game safe. All 13 of his passes in the final third found their target.
Idrissa Gueye (6): He had not been so influential in the game, but you also wonder whether his substitution early in extra time played into the hands of Belgium, who then took complete control of the midfield.
Pape Gueye (5): Won only two of his 10 duels and was dribbled past on four occasions as he was the leak in the Senegal midfield before being replaced on 66 minutes by Lamine Camara.
Iliman Ndiaye (6): Had three successful dribbles and looked fairly lively when on the ball, but perhaps did not see enough of it and was not as effective as he can be.
Ismaila Sarr (7): Scored a cracking goal and also hit the post in a lively performance. Had a third great chance to score but could not convert. Had five attempts on goal in all.
Sadio Mane (7): Was influential and created the chance that eventually led to Senegal’s first goal. Made three key passes in the final third.
Lamine Camara (5): Gave away the penalty that led to Belgium’s winner, though he may turn around and say it was an unfortunate award as he was going for the ball. He may have a case, but it does not change the outcome.
Ibrahim Mbaye (6): Came on for Ndiaye after 73 minutes. Had a great chance to add a third for Senegal but skewed his effort just wide as it looked to be nestling in the far corner.
Pape Matar Sarr (6): Came on for Habib Diarra after 73 minutes and was tidy enough in the midfield.
Nicholas Jackson (6): Came on for Mane after 93 minutes and had some promising moments without troubling the goalkeeper.
El Hadji Malick Diouf (6): The left-back came on for Jakobs after 93 minutes.
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (5): Came on for Idrissa Gueye after 96 minutes, but Senegal lost a little bit of control in the midfield after that.
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