Player Ratings as Senegal Thrash Iraq 5-0 to Keep World Cup Hopes Alive
Senegal’s substitutes stole the show as the Teranga Lions kept their FIFA World Cup knockout hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq on Friday, with Pape Gueye earning the highest player rating after a stunning second-half display.
Senegal entered the must-win Group I clash knowing only a convincing victory would keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive, and they delivered in style against a 10-man Iraq side.
The West Africans took the lead after just four minutes when Abdoulaye Seck’s header from Lamine Camara’s corner deflected off Habib Diarra and looped over Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
Iraq’s task became even more difficult midway through the first half when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off by referee Anthony Taylor after pulling down Sadio Mane, who was through on goal.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Senegal struggled to add to their lead before the break. However, they returned after half-time with renewed intensity.
Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s advantage with his fourth FIFA World Cup goal, becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. Substitute Pape Gueye then produced two sensational long-range strikes to put the game beyond doubt before Iliman Ndiaye added a fifth with another spectacular effort from distance.
Senegal player ratings
Substitute Pape Gueye emerged as Senegal’s standout performer with an outstanding rating of 9.3 after scoring twice following his introduction.
- Pape Gueye (9.3) – Changed the game completely with two brilliant long-range goals.
- Ismaila Sarr (8.6) – Clinical in attack and made history as Senegal’s top World Cup scorer.
- Iliman Ndiaye (8.5) – Made an immediate impact off the bench and capped the victory with a superb goal.
- Lamine Camara (8.4) – Controlled the midfield and provided the assist for the opening goal.
- Krépin Diatta (8.2) and Idrissa Gueye (8.2) – Both delivered commanding performances.
Captain Sadio Mane received a rating of 7.3 after helping create problems for the Iraqi defence throughout the match despite failing to score.
Iraq struggle after red card
For Iraq, defender Ali Al-Ammari received a low rating of 4.4, while Hasan Hashem was rated 3.9 in a difficult evening for the Asian side. Rebin Sulaka, whose red card proved decisive, was handed a rating of 4.9.
Mohanad Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein Fadhil were among Iraq’s brighter performers, both earning ratings above 6.0 despite the heavy defeat.
The victory saw Senegal finish third in Group I with three points, behind France and Norway. The African side must now wait for the completion of the group stage to discover whether they have done enough to secure one of the eight places available to the best third-placed teams in the Round of 32.
