Lightning start for Senegal: seck strikes early against Iraq

Senegal have got off to an absolute flyer in their crucial final Group I match against Iraq at Toronto Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead just four minutes into the contest.

The breakthrough came courtesy of defender Abdoulaye Seck, who took full advantage of a lapse in the Iraqi defense. Following an away-swinging corner from Lamine Camara, Seck found himself completely unmarked around the penalty spot. Without even needing to leave the ground, the big defender firmly knocked his header straight down.

The ball took a heavy deflection off an Iraqi defender on its way through, leaving goalkeeper Ahmed Basil stranded as it nestled into the back of the net. While the final verdict on whether it stands as Seck’s goal or an own-goal remains with the stadium officials, the Lions of Teranga are officially up and running.

High stakes in Toronto
This match is a literal "last-chance saloon" for both nations, who entered the final matchday sitting at the bottom of Group I after suffering consecutive defeats to powerhouse opponents France and Norway.

With tournament survival strictly requiring a victory, Senegal's early aggression has given them the perfect foundation. For Iraq, it is a nightmare start, continuing a worrying trend of conceding the opening goal in their recent international fixtures.