Senegal beat South Africa to qualify for World Cup

The Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2-0 on Friday to seal their qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The game, which held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, was a replay between the two countries after their first meeting which South Africa won 2-1 on November 12, 2016.

The previous game was cancelled after the referee, who was later banned for life by the world football governing body, was found to have been compromised.

On Friday, two first half goals, one by Diafra Sakho in the 12th minute and an own goal by Thamsanqa Mkhize on 38 minutes, helped Senegal secure the vital win.

Read also: Super Eagles finish 2018 World Cup qualifiers unbeaten

The result ensured an unassailable 11 points for Senegal after five games, helping them qualify for their second World Cup finals, their first since Korea/Japan 2002.

Senegal will host South Africa on Tuesday, November 14 in an inconsequential game in their last African qualifying Group D game.

Burkina Faso currently occupy second place on six points, while Cape Verde, also on six points, are third.

Senegal have now joined Nigeria and Egypt as the three African countries who have so far qualified for the 2018 World Cup.

 

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