Erling Haaland's Double Leaves Senegal's World Cup Hopes Hanging

Senegal’s World Cup campaign now hangs on the thinnest of threads. On a night when they needed control and clarity, they ran into Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker struck twice in a ruthless display, dragging Norway to a 3-2 win and leaving the Lions of Teranga staring at the exit door.

Ismaïla Sarr did everything he could to drag his country back from the brink. His own brace kept Senegal alive deep into the contest, a constant menace driving at defenders, refusing to let the game drift away. Each time Norway seemed to pull clear, Sarr snapped the contest back into life.

The damage, though, proved too much. Haaland’s finishing was the difference, his two goals underpinning a result that now leaves Senegal with only a sliver of hope. They can finish no higher than third in Group I and must now sit and wait, their fate resting in other hands and on other pitches.

There was at least one African flag still flying high by the end of the day.

In another tight, nervy affair, Algeria found their moment. Beaten by Lionel Messi’s Argentina earlier in the tournament, they walked into their meeting with Jordan knowing another setback could crush their campaign. They refused to blink. With the game finely poised, Amine Gouiri stepped up late, his decisive goal sealing a 2-1 win and injecting fresh life into Algerian ambitions.

That strike did more than settle a match. It restored belief. Algeria, stung by their loss to Argentina, now have a platform again, a foothold in a group that had threatened to slip away from them.

Attention now turns to Tuesday, and it crackles with anticipation.

Upcoming Matches

Ghana’s showdown with England looms large, a fixture heavy with storylines and tactical questions. One of the biggest hovers around Jordan Ayew. How to use him? Where does he fit best in a side that must balance discipline with the need to hurt an England team stacked with attacking talent? The choices around Ayew, and the structure around him, could define Ghana’s night.

On the same day, DR Congo face Colombia in a clash that will test their resilience and ambition. Both sides know that at this stage of a World Cup, margins shrink and every duel matters.

Senegal’s hopes now sit on that knife edge. Algeria have dragged themselves back into the argument. Ghana and DR Congo are next in line to shape Africa’s story at this tournament.