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Kumasi-born Muntari Mohammed nets Qatar's first-ever World Cup goal in Senegal defeat

80336993 Mohammed Muntari

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 Source: ghanaguardian.com

Qatar striker Mohammed Muntari was born in Ghana's second biggest city, Kumasi and played for some Ghanaian clubs including Glolamp Academy which belongs to former Ghana star Nii Odartey Lamptey before beginning his foreign sojourn.

On Friday he came from the bench to net Qatar's first-ever World Cup goal in their 3-1 defeat to Senegal which almost seals the fate.

Mohammed Muntari came on in the 74th minute and four minutes later headed home a cross from the right side to make the scores 2-1 and hand the host their first World Cup goal.

The Middle Eastern side battled valiantly before Senegal condemned them to a second straight defeat - and subsequently became the first country knocked out of the competition after the Netherlands drew 1-1 against Ecuador.

But African champions Senegal are up and running in Group A.

Boulaye Dia broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time, slamming home to punish Boualem Khoukhi's miscued clearance.

Looking to hit back in the second period, Qatar's hopes were dashed when former Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou rose to flick in a glorious header just three minutes after the break.

Watford's Ismaila Sarr had an early chance on his 50th cap but struck into the side-netting, while Idrissa Gueye of Everton's rasping drive went narrowly wide.

Qatar felt they should have had a first-half penalty when Akram Afif was bundled over in the box by Sarr, but referee Antonio Lahoz pointed only for a goal-kick, much to the anger of the home supporters.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made stunning reflex saves to deny Almoez Ali and Ismail Mohamad, but he could do nothing about Mohammed Muntari's powerful header.

Qatar was searching for the equalizer, but Bamba Dieng stroked in to deflate the home following and leave their team bottom of the group without a point after two games played.

Source: ghanaguardian.com