2018 FIFA WC: Senegal daze Poland 2-1; restore Africa's pride

Moscow, Russia (PANA) - Senegal dazed Poland at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Tuesday when they beat the highly rated European country 2-1 in their Day 1 Group H match played at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow.

More than 44,100 fans at the stadium saw the Teranga Lions, who are appearing at the finals of the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year absence, put in a plucky performance that tore up the bookmakers' choice.

Senegal also restored some pride for Africa, as they became the first African side to register a victory at the fiesta after their Day 1 matches, following losses registered by Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia.

Senegal drew first blood in the 37th minute when Idrissa Ggueye's shot was heavily deflected off Thiago Cionek, sending the Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny diving the wrong direction for an own goal.

Then in the 61st minute, Senegal striker Mnaye Niang intercepted a long and aimless back pass from Grzegorz Krychowiak to Szczesny, sprinted away from the stranded goalkeeper and defender Jan Bednarek and planted the ball in the net.

Krychowiak partially redeemed himself in the 86th minute when he headed in Poland's consolation.

In the first match in Group H earlier in the day, Japan beat Colombia 2-1.

This means Senegal share top spot with Japan with three points each while Colombia and Poland have no point.
-0- PANA MA 19June2018