Senegal, Japan play out 2-2 thriller

Reuters Updated - June 24, 2018 at 10:47 PM.

Japan's Keisuke Honda scores their second goal against Senegal in Group H World Cup Football match at Ekaterinburg Arena, Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 24, 2018

Japan twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Senegal in their World Cup Group H encounter on Sunday.

Goals from Senegal captain Sadio Mane and Moussa Wague were matched by strikes from Takashi Inui and Keisuke Honda for the Samurai Blue.

Senegal took the lead in the 11th minute when Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima punched a cross into Manes leg and the ball bounced back over the line and in, before Inuis curled finish on 34 minutes meant the sides went in level at the break.

Wagues powerful shot into the roof of the net on 64 minutes looked to have secured the points for Senegal, but Japan substitute Honda turned in a brilliant Inui pull-back with 12 minutes remaining to give the Asian side a share of the points.

The draw means both nations go into the final round of matches on four points at the top of the group.

Published on June 24, 2018 17:08