Emotional Koulibaly sends Senegal into World Cup last 16

DOHA : Winger Ismaila Sarr kept his cool to score a first half penalty and captain Kalidou Koulibaly netted a second goal as Senegal beat Ecuador 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday to earn a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Sarr scored his penalty in the 44th minute having earned the spot-kick himself, but Ecuador, who needed only a draw to reach the knockout rounds, equalised through Moises Caicedo.

That joy for the South Americans lasted only three minutes as Koulibaly restored Senegal’s lead and eased the pain of their losing out on the last 16 to Japan four years ago.

The African champions finish second in Group A with six points from three matches, one behind winners Netherlands and two ahead of Ecuador, whose tournament held much promise but has ended in disappointment.

Ecuador's players slumped to the turf in tears on the final whistle but in truth they were second best on the night and might have asserted themselves more in the first half.

Senegal dedicated their win to the memory of midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, goalscorer when they claimed a shock 1-0 win against France in 2002, and who passed away aged 42 two years ago to the day.

"This is for the family of Papa Bouba Diop," Koulibaly said. "We wanted to make him proud and give homage to him. He made me dream as a boy."

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse believes his side's run to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon earlier this year had battled-hardened his players for games like this.

"We have a lot of experience under our belts as a team and that has helped us to prepare for these types of matches. I can only congratulate my players," he said.

"They are not children, they are adults and ready to step up to the mark. They all know