Senegal’s hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 are hanging by a thread after a 3-2 defeat to Norway in Group I on Monday, their second consecutive loss of the tournament.
A brace from Erling Haaland inspired Norway to victory in New Jersey, securing the Scandinavian side’s place in the knockout stage while leaving the Lions of Teranga rooted to the bottom of the group with zero points from two matches.
The result means Senegal must now beat Iraq in their final group game on Friday in Toronto and rely on other results to stand any chance of advancing.
Norway struck first in the 43rd minute through substitute Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who capitalised on a costly error by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly. The defender’s attempted clearance fell kindly to Pedersen, whose shot slipped past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Haaland doubled Norway’s advantage three minutes after the restart when he latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Martin Odegaard and scored despite losing his footing as he shot.
Senegal responded almost immediately through Ismaila Sarr, who shrugged off two defenders before firing home in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit.
However, Haaland restored Norway’s two-goal cushion five minutes later. Patrick Berg spotted the striker inside the penalty area, and the Manchester City forward controlled a difficult hip-high pass before drilling a right-footed effort into the net for his second goal of the night.
Sarr gave Senegal late hope when he grabbed his second goal in the third minute of stoppage time, but the African side could not find an equaliser as Norway held on for all three points.
The defeat was compounded by an injury to goalkeeper Mendy, who was forced off shortly after Haaland’s second goal and replaced by Mory Diaw.
Despite the loss, Sarr’s brace provided a rare bright spot for Senegal, who now face a must-win clash against Iraq as they battle to avoid an early exit from the World Cup.
Norway, meanwhile, joined France on six points and booked their place in the Round of 32, with the two nations set to meet on Friday to determine the Group I winners.
