Senegal 5:0 Iraq — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Pape Gueye scored twice and ran the midfield as Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0 in their World Cup group-stage opener, though the scoreline tells only part of the story. This was a dominant display from the African champions from the first whistle, one that sets up a crucial next fixture with the tournament knockouts now firmly in sight.

The match turned decisively in the 13th minute when Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a straight red card following a VAR review, leaving his side with ten men for over 75 minutes. Senegal capitalised immediately through Habib Diarra's fourth-minute opener, assisted by Abdoulaye Seck, before Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead after the break from Lamine Camara's pass. Pape Gueye then took over, scoring twice in quick succession — first from Sarr's assist, then linking with Iliman Ndiaye — before returning the favour to set up Ndiaye for the fifth in the 82nd minute.

Senegal were the better side throughout, and the red card only accelerated an inevitable result. CheckLive's model clearly favoured Senegal, and the final score confirmed that prediction emphatically, with live signals backing the home side at 1.05 odds and winning comfortably. There is no next fixture to look ahead to, but this performance will have sent a message to the rest of the group.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Senegal vs Iraq?

Senegal 5-0 Iraq (World Cup).

Who scored?

Habib Diarra (4', assist Abdoulaye Seck) for Senegal; Ismaïla Sarr (56', assist Lamine Camara) for Senegal; Pape Gueye (59', assist Ismaïla Sarr) for Senegal; Pape Gueye (72', assist Iliman Ndiaye) for Senegal; Iliman Ndiaye (82', assist Pape Gueye) for Senegal.

Was Senegal's win deserved?

Yes — Senegal were on top for most of the match.

Were there any red cards in Senegal vs Iraq?

Yes — sent off: Rebin Sulaka (Iraq, 13').

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