AFCON 2025
Senegal suffered a crushing World Cup exit at Lumen Field in Seattle, surrendering a two-goal lead as Belgium fought back to win 3-2 after extra time and reach the Round of 16. Goals from Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr had put the Lions of Teranga firmly in control for long stretches of the contest.
Senegal looked to have done enough to book their place in the last 16, controlling large periods of the match and appearing the more incisive side going forward. Sadio Mané led the line for his country once again, having been influential throughout Senegal’s run to the knockouts.
Belgium refused to fold. Substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back in the 86th minute to spark hope for Rudi Garcia’s side, before Youri Tielemans leveled the score with an 89th-minute header to force extra time and silence the Senegalese celebrations.
The killer blow came deep into the additional 30 minutes. Belgium won a penalty following a lengthy VAR review for a foul on Tielemans, and the Belgian captain made no mistake from the spot in the 125th minute to complete one of the tournament’s great comebacks.
Senegal will now have to reflect on missed opportunities to see out a game they controlled for so long, as Belgium advance to face the winner of another Round of 32 tie in the next stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku extended his record as Belgium’s all time top scorer with 92 goals in 130 matches for the Red Devils.
Lukaku ranks second behind Cristiano Ronaldo as the European player with the most international goals.
