Iliman Ndiaye scores 5-0 for Senegal against Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
In an electrifying clash valid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Senegal team demonstrates overwhelming superiority over Iraq, leading the score 5-0 after 82 minutes of play. The match has been a festival of goals and decisive moves, with the Teranga Lions imposing their pace from the first moments, making clear their desire to consolidate their position in the search for a place in the next World Cup. The intensity on the field keeps fans in suspense, as the Iraqi team struggles to contain the opponent’s momentum, which shows no signs of slowing down.
Initial dominance and the opening of the Senegalese score
The beginning of the match was marked by a strong Senegalese offensive, which soon resulted in a goal. In the 4th minute, a corner kick from Lamine Camara found Idrissa Gueye, whose shot was blocked, but the sequence of play allowed Habib Diarra to push the ball into the back of the net, opening the scoring. This initial move galvanized the team, who continued to press, with Ismail Jakobs and Sadio Mané creating clear scoring opportunities. Iraq’s defense, in turn, tried to reorganize itself, but faced difficulties in containing the speed and technique of Senegal’s attackers, who sought to extend their advantage at all costs.
Turnaround with expulsion and impact on the match
The scenario of the match underwent a significant change in the 10th minute, when a foul by Rebin Sulaka, from Iraq, initially punished with a yellow card, was reviewed by the VAR. After review by referee Anthony Taylor, the decision was reversed to a straight red card, leaving Iraq with ten players on the field. This moment was a watershed, further increasing the responsibility of the Iraqi team and opening space for Senegal to intensify its control over the game. The absence forced Iraq to adjust its strategy, seeking to compensate for the absence of a key player in defense, which, however, further exposed the team’s vulnerabilities.
Consolidation of advantage and strategic substitutions
Even with one player less, Iraq tried to react, but Senegalese pressure was relentless. In the 56th minute, Ismaila Sarr took advantage of a defensive error to score the second goal, demonstrating opportunism and coolness. A few minutes later, at 59, Pape Gueye increased the advantage with a powerful shot, consolidating the rout. The substitutions made by both teams, especially the addition of Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Pathe Ciss and Pape Gueye for Senegal, sought to maintain rhythm and energy, while Iraq tried to find a new way of playing. The series of tactical changes underlined the determination of both teams to pursue their objectives, whether to increase the score or to avoid further damage to the result.
Minute by minute: key plays until the 82nd minute
Follow the most important moments that marked the match until the 82nd minute, with the Senegal team displaying engaging and effective football:
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- 4′ – SENEGAL GOAL:Habib Diarra opens the scoring after a corner kick, putting the Teranga Lions ahead.
- 13′ – EXPULSION OF IRAQ:Rebin Sulaka receives a straight red card after a VAR review, leaving Iraq with ten players.
- 56′ – SENEGAL’S SECOND GOAL:Ismaila Sarr takes advantage of the defensive flaw and finds the back of the net, extending the lead.
- 59′ – SENEGAL’S THIRD GOAL:Pape Gueye takes a strong shot from outside the box and scores a great goal.
- 71′ – SENEGAL’S FOURTH GOAL:Pape Gueye, once again, receives the ball on the edge of the area and shoots the ball into the goal without hesitation.
- 82′ – SENEGAL’S FIFTH GOAL:Iliman Ndiaye buries the ball in the back of the net, sealing the rout in progress.
Final stretch of the game and the rout scenario
The match continued with Senegal dominating the actions, creating multiple chances and keeping goalkeeper Jalal Hachim, who came on in the second half, in constant work. In the 71st minute, Pape Gueye scored his second goal of the game, Senegal’s fourth, with a well-aimed shot that gave the opposing goalkeeper no chance. At 75, Sadio Mane almost scored a great goal, with a shot scraping the post. In the 82nd minute, Iliman Ndiaye, who had entered in the second half, scored the fifth goal, showing the depth of the Senegalese squad and the ability of his substitutes to impact the game. With the score at 5-0, Iraq, despite some isolated plays, such as Ali Jasim’s shot in the 53rd minute, were unable to reverse the situation, facing a Senegalese team on an inspired day. The match continues with the expectation of new moves and, perhaps, the expansion of the advantage.
The game’s outlook and future expectations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
This dominant performance by Senegal is not only a victory on the scoreboard, but also a demonstration of strength and tactical cohesion, crucial elements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team has played a high level of football, with quick transitions and a solid defense, despite the few challenges posed by the opponent. For Iraq, the match has been a test of endurance and a learning opportunity, exposing areas that require greater attention and development for the next clashes. The numerical disadvantage early on made the task even more difficult, but the team continued to fight to avoid more goals. The clash, which is still ongoing, serves as an important thermometer for both teams on their journey towards the world tournament, consolidating Senegal’s image as a strong candidate and Iraq seeking adjustments for future stages of the competition.
