Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr has etched his name alongside African football royalty, scoring his fifth World Cup goal in Senegal's 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the round of 32.
Sarr's strike, which came after Habib Diarra had opened the scoring, drew him level with Cameroon legend Roger Milla on five World Cup goals. The 27-year-old now stands just one goal behind Africa's all-time leading World Cup scorer, Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, who has six.
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) – 6 goals
Roger Milla (Cameroon) – 5 goals
Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) – 5 goals
Sarr's incredible form at the tournament has seen him score four goals in three consecutive matches – netting twice against Norway, once against Iraq, and now against Belgium. He also scored one goal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Sarr's goal was Senegal's fourth knockout-stage goal in World Cup history. The first two were scored by Henri Camara in the round of 16 during their debut World Cup campaign in 2002, when they famously reached the quarter-finals.
Despite taking a 2-0 lead against Belgium, Senegal were unable to hold on, with the Red Devils mounting a comeback to win 3-2 and advance to the round of 16.
Senegal's exit brings an end to a tournament that saw Sarr emerge as one of Africa's standout performers. His record-equalling achievement, however, ensures his place alongside African football's greatest names.
Belgium will now face the winner of the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16.
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