World Cup 2022: Gakpo, Klassen Propels Netherlands Past Mane-Less Senegal

Netherlands stunned African Champions Senegal in a very tight match on Monday with a poaching header from Dutch midfielder Cody Gakpo before Davvy Klassen sealed the winner at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Senegal were playing without their talisman Sadio Mane after being ruled off due to injury.

Yet, Senegal under their manager Cisse was very solid and were the better side up until the goal from Gakpo. A very inviting pass from Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

A similar pass from him sealed the winning game against Osasuna in La Liga just before the World Cup.

Netherlands were without a single shot on target in the first half but in the 84th minute, the header decided the match.

The two sides have never met before in any competition but the Dutch came off the winner and are now levelled with Ecuador on goal difference, thanks to a brace by Enner Valencia.

Klassen sealed off the game in the late stages with a rebound after Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a mess of an earlier shot from Memphis Depay.

The match ended 2-0 in favour of the Netherlands.

Senegal would need to win the two remaining games to be able to qualify for the next round of the World Cup, with the game ending, it bring to a close the match day 1 of group A