TORONTO, Canada, June 27, (V7N) – Senegal became the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, with a stunning double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match on Friday.

The win also boosted Senegal's chances of progressing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams—they now have the best goal difference among teams on three points. Iraq, meanwhile, go home without a point after a hugely disappointing campaign following an arduous route to qualification.

Senegal struck early when Habib Diarra got the slightest of touches to Abdoulaye Seck's header from a corner, scoring his first international goal since netting in a friendly against England last year. Iraq's already slim hopes suffered a hammer blow minutes later when defender Rebin Sulaka—brought into the starting line-up by coach Graham Arnold—was shown a straight red card by English referee Anthony Taylor after a VAR review for fouling Sadio Mane when the Senegal talisman was clear on goal. It was the earliest red card of the tournament so far and the fourth fastest in World Cup history.

Despite the one-man advantage, Senegal could only muster one chance before halftime—Ismail Jacobs' fierce strike from outside the box going just wide with the keeper beaten. Iraq, who had to replace first-half goalkeeper Ahmed Basil (taken off with a knock) with Jalal Hassan at the break, survived the early wave of second-half attacks but were helpless when Senegal found their rhythm.

Ismaila Sarr tapped in in the 56th minute for his third goal of the tournament after a dreadful error by former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal deep inside his own half gifted possession to Senegal. The relief of the second goal had Sarr lying on his back pumping his fists with joy.

Then came the Gueye show. Within 89 seconds of coming on as a substitute, he unleashed a sublime curling effort from outside the box that gave Hassan no chance for 3-0 in the 59th minute. The Villarreal midfielder possibly outdid that with a vicious half-volley 12 minutes later that flew past the keeper. Graham Arnold was reduced to leaning on the dugout, ruefully shaking his head, as Iliman Ndiaye scored another screamer eight minutes from time to complete the 5-0 rout.

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