It will all go down to the wire when Ecuador and Senegal clash in their final Group A game inside the Khalifa International Stadium. All too soon, we are at the end of the group stage for the ongoing FIFA World Cup and for the pair, it will be a case of winner-takes-all when they go head-to-head on Tuesday.
Ecuador have punched above their weight since arriving in Qatar and are well positioned to secure qualification to the knockout stage in comparison to the opponent they are up against. La Tri began their campaign with a deserved 2-0 win over Qatar in the first game of the World Cup. They subsequently followed up with a strong performance which earned them an important point in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Three points against Senegal will be more than enough to fire Ecuador into the next round and could equally see them finish as group winners. The latter will be achieved should they manage a better return than the Dutch who will go up against Qatar at the same time.
For Senegal, all eyes will be on the win as any other result could put them in a tricky situation. The Lions of Teranga currently sit third on the table and will be poised to make do and progress to the next round in the absence of the talismanic Sadio Mane.
Aliou Cisse's side held their own and defeated host Qatar by three goals to one in the second game of Group A. This came after they had suffered an agonising 2-0 defeat against the Netherlands in the first game of the World Cup campaign.
As far as Senegal's qualification chances go, a win should suffice in their quest to progress to the Round of 16. In a relative sense, they could potentially progress to the knockout stage should the Netherlands suffer a shock defeat Qatar in a case where they manage a draw.
Ecuador vs Senegal: Team news
Ecuador's iconic striker and captain Enner Valencia left the game against the Netherlands at 1-1 on a stretcher, raising questions about his fitness. Despite having had an injury scare the last time out, recent media reports have stated that he will be ready to feature in the starting lineup in Ecuador's Group A game versus Senegal.
In the case of Senegal, Sadio Mane's absence still remains the biggest out of their campaign. Aside the Bayern Munich star, there are no fresh injury concerns heading into their final Group A match.
Ecuador vs Senegal: Key stats
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Ecuador and Senegal will be meeting for just the third time in their history, with Senegal winning both previous friendly meetings in May 2002 and December 2005.
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Ecuador will be facng a team from Africa in the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.
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Ecuador will qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds for the second time in their history provided they avoid a defeat.
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Senegal are without a win in their two games against South American opposition.
Ecuador vs Senegal: Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
