With this victory, the African team reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the second time. Senegal finished with six points in Group A, one behind the Netherlands who beat hosts Qatar 2-0.
Ecuador, who needed a draw to advance to the knockout stages for the second time after 2006, finished third with four points after a game played to the relentless drumbeat of Senegalese fans.
The round of 16 is announced for Senegal! π πΈπ³ @adidasfootball | #Fifa World Cup
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Ismaila Sarr converted the penalty in the 44th minute to put Senegal ahead, but Ecuador equalized through Moises Caicedo in the 67th minute.
That joy for the South Americans lasted just three minutes as Koulibaly restored Senegal’s lead, which they were able to hold until the end of the match.
Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals in 2002 on their previous knockout stage visit, will face the winners of Group Bwhich includes England, Iran, the United States and Wales.
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Idrissa Gana Gueye fired too early and Senegal striker Boulaye Dia had a superb chance when he had a clear view of the goal but deflected his shot away from the far post.
The decisive half-time moment came late when Sarr was rammed by Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie and rose to convert the kick, leaving goalkeeper Hernan Galindez rooted to the spot as the shot tucked into the lower corner.
This qualified feeling. https://t.co/wwgxAsSMbn
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The tide of play changed in the second half as it was Senegal who were happy to sit out and a desperate Ecuador pushed for the equaliser.
It came mid-half when Felix Torres kicked in a corner and Caicedo was left unmarked at the back post to provide a simple finish. He is the first player other than Enner Valencia to score in the World Cup for Ecuador since Ivan Kaviedes in 2006.
Heavy support for Ecuador in the stands erupted in celebration, but that was cut short after when Senegal struck again.
The South American team failed to clear a corner and the ball fell nicely for Koulibaly to fly into the net from six yards out.