(Football news) Ecuador are looking to seal qualification for the Round of 16 of the World Cup as they take on Senegal in what will be a winner-takes-all clash at the Khalifa International Stadium. The La Tri have been very impressive in Group A, with a win over Qatar and a draw against the Netherlands on matchday two, while Senegal have only recorded a victory over Qatar in their second match following a loss to the Netherlands in their first match. Ecuador have excelled in this year’s World Cup and lead the group with four points from their two matches played, which has put them within touching distance of the Knockout stages.

Gustavo Alfaro has been appreciated by all football pundits for his tactical capability and mostly setting up his side with a balance to attack with fluency and also defend in numbers during a transition. On matchday one, Ecuador have their star man Enner Valencia to thank as he has sourced all of their goals in this year’s World Cup. Unsurprisingly, their talisman Valencia sits top of the goal scoring charts on three goals and will be heavily relied upon against a tricky Senegal backline, should he be passed fit for the game. Should Ecuador win, they will qualify for the round of 16 and could finish as Group A winners.

Senegal have given themselves a fighting chance of qualification after getting victory over Qatar in a clinical display from the Lions of Teranga as they dispatched their Qatari opposition by scoring three goals as strikes from Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng grabbed all three points for them. Undoubtedly, the win over Qatar was absolutely crucial for their chances of making it through to the last 16, following a disappointing first match against Netherlands in their first Group A encounter.

The Senegalese will have to manage without their star man Sadio Mane, who was ruled out of competing on the World Cup stage due to injury but manager Aliou Cisse hopes his strike partnership of Dia and Diedhiou can continue to shine in his absence. Realistically, only a win for Senegal against Ecuador will be enough for them to qualify as even a draw is likely to end their hopes of tournament glory.

Ecuador possible starting lineup:

Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Sarmiento; Estrada

Senegal possible starting lineup:

Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou

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