By regaining the advantage just after the Ecuadorian equalizer, by Kalidou Koulibaly (70th), the Lions erased many bad memories in one fell swoop.

Forgotten the elimination at the 2018 World Cup in the number of yellow cards, in favor of Japan, for a goal by Youri Mina a quarter of an hour from the end of the match against Colombia (1-0), another South-South opponent. American.

Erased the absence of the mega star Sadio Mané, injured before the tournament.

His replacement to light the fuses, Ismaïla Sarr, assumed his role, provoking and transforming the penalty for the opener (44th sp).

The Watford player struck "à la Neymar", a run with small steps and an unstoppable counter-foot, flush with the post.

He had been cut off in his run by Piero Hincapié, leading Frenchman Clément Turpin to whistle.

In memory of Bouba Diop

Honored the memory of Pape Bouba Diop, one of the heroes of the 2002 epic, where he scored three goals on the road to the quarter-finals.

Senegal supporters in Doha on November 29, 2022 MANAN VATSYAYANA AFP

Died on November 29, 2020 at the age of 40, "Bouba", scorer in the opening match against France twenty years ago, was present in the match watch speeches.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly had written the Rufisque giant's N.19 (he was 1.95m tall) on his armband.

"We pay tribute to Bouba Diop, a figure of Senegalese football, today we had a thought for him", launched Pape Gueye, intractable in the middle.

The Lions await the winner of Group B, probably England, who face Wales (8:00 p.m.), for their second 1/8 final in three appearances.

It will be Sunday (4 p.m.).

In Korea and Japan, they crossed and beat Sweden (2-1) with a double from Henri Camara, including a golden goal.

Senegal deserved their victory.

The African champion showed more mastery and maturity than his adversary.

"If we play like we played today, we can hope for something in this competition," said Idrissa Gana Gueye.

"Raise our level of play"

After a failed start against the Netherlands (2-0 defeat), the Senegalese recovered against Qatar (3-1), without genius.

Against the Andes, they played as bosses.

"We knew we could raise our level of play, it's true that the first matches were difficult, but when you have to be present in these big matches, I know that I can count on the whole squad", comments "Gana".

Ecuadorian Jackson Porozo in Doha on November 29, 2022 JUNG Yeon-je AFP

On the other hand, we did not recognize "el Tri", so attractive against Qatar (2-0) and the Netherlands (1-1).

Gustavo Alfaro, known as "Lettuce" ("Lechuga") lined up his star, Enner Valencia, captain and co-top scorer of the tournament with Kylian Mbappé (3 goals), painful knee, but the Andes did not bother much the Lions.

The Ecuadorians will not equal this year the performance of 2006, where they reached the 1/8 finals in their first participation.

They only scored from a set piece, a corner taken by Moises Caicedo (68th), who is not offside since Abdou Diallo is on the line with his goalkeeper (68th).

But on the following action, Senegal came back in front thanks to their captain Koulibaly, imperial in defense, taking advantage of a deflection from the unfortunate Valencia on a free kick from Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Only bad news of the evening for Senegal, "Gana", warned for a shoulder blow to the face of Gonzalo Plata (66th), is suspended for 1/8.

The former Parisian is "seriously disappointed".

But the quasi-rookie Pathé Ciss, holder in the middle for his third selection in this historic match for Senegal, assured.

And Cheikhou Kouyaté may be put back.

"We don't set limits," announces Gana Gueye.

© 2022 AFP