Doha, 25 November 2022 - Qatar started the match looking sharp and determined and had their first effort on goal in the 14th minute when a defensive clearance from the box landed at the feet of Akram Afif, who sliced a volley wide.
Senegal responded 10 minutes later with a narrow miss by Idrissa Gueye who took a low driven shot from outside the box, which narrowly missed the far post, and Qatari goalkeeper Barhsim’s outstretched palm.
Two minutes later, Qatari center back Abdelkarim Hassan sprinted forward with the ball from his left centre back position but rocketed his effort high above the crossbar.
The end to end action continued a few minutes later when the Qatari goalkeeper Barshim hashed a punched clearance straight to Sabaly, who smashed his first-time volley wide of the goal.
Qatar looked up for the game, and pushed forward once again. A great team move in the 34th minute lead to Al Moez Ali playing Akram Afif through on goal. As the Al Sadd forward was about to dispatch his shot, he’s tackled and sent to the ground. After strong protests from the Qatari contingent, the referee refused to award the spot kick.
Minutes later, Qatar’s strong efforts were undone by an unfortunate error by Khoukhi Boualem. The Qatari defender miskicked a clearance, allowing Boulaye Dia to unleash a strong low strike to give Senegal a 1-0 lead which they took into half time.
Qatar started the second half in a very energetic manner, but fell 2-0 down to a headed goal by Famara Diedhou 3 minutes after the restart. Qatar were not disheartened and continued to press forward. An Akram Afif free kick resulted in a scramble in the box in the 55th minute, with the ball eventually falling to Abdelkarim Hassan whose shot was blocked by his team mate Al Moez.
Abdelkarim was again in the thick of the action in the 60th minute, with a long range right footed shot that just curved by the post. Qatar again had a fantastic opportunity in the 66th minute, a cross from Al Haydos was met by Ismail, who's close range effort was acrobatically saved by Mendy.
In the 77th minute, Qatar finally scored their first ever goal at the World Cup, when Ismail crossed to the substitute striker Muntari, who's header sent the Al Thumama stadium into raptures.
Qatar pushed forward to push for the equaliser, but their hopes were dampened by a third goal from Senegal scored by Dieng in the 84th minute.
