Ismaïla Sarr played an integral role for Senegal as they progressed to the round of 16 following a 2-1 victory over Ecuador, confirming a second-place finish in Group A at the 2022 World Cup.

The Watford winger notched his first goal of the tournament via the penalty spot, having won the spot-kick himself shortly before half-time.

Exhibiting incredible composure in the high-pressured situation, Sarr rolled the ball into the bottom right-hand corner with the Ecuador goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

His crucial goal makes Sarr the first active Watford player to have scored at the World Cup since Gerry Armstrong for Northern Ireland in the 1982 edition of the tournament.

Despite setting Senegal on their way to a victory that would send them through to the knockout stages for only the second time, Ecuador returned with their own attacking prowess after the break.

The South American outfit equalised through Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moisés Caicedo in the 67th minute, but they wouldn’t be level for long.

Senegal retook the lead just three minutes later through the towering Kalidou Koulibaly, who placed the ball past a stranded Hernán Galíndez in goal for Ecuador.

A determined and persistent performance followed as the African side held on to their slender lead and secured a place in the knockout phase, 20 years after they last progressed past the group stages in the 2002 World Cup.

The result means Sarr will face the team that tops Group B, which could be England, Iran, USA or Wales.

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