Senegal Out of Qualifying Places With One Match Remaining

10 September 2008

Senegal lost their penultimate World Cup Qualifier against Algeria on Saturday, leaving them third in Group 6.

Their final match against neighbours Gambia will be crucial as both teams currently have eight points, one point behind leaders Algeria, with The Gambia ahead on goal difference. Only the twelve group winners and best eight runners-up will advance to the final qualifying phase where they will be divided into five groups; the winners of each group joining hosts South Africa at the finals in 2010.

Saturday’s match remained goalless until the second half; despite taking an early lead, Senegal were soon 3-1 down after Algeria scored three times in just 13 minutes. Mamadou Sougou managed a stoppage-time consolation goal but it was not enough for the previously unbeaten Senegalese.