Mane, right place, right time to edge Senegal ahead
Sadio Mane scored one of the easiest goals of his career to give Senegal a 1-0 lead over Japan in their Group H clash.
Sunday's 5PM (CET) kick-off brought the two leaders of Group H together in Ekaterinburg, with both looking to improve their chances of qualifying for the Round of 16.
However, it was Senegal that started the match brighter and they capitalised in the 11th minute thanks to a clanger from the Japanese goalkeeper.
Molla Wague curled a cross to the far post which Genki Haraguchi failed to clear with his head.
It allowed Youssouf Sabaly to shoot at goal which Eiji Kawashima then punched against Mane as he attempted to clear, who was delighted to see the richocet roll into the back of the net.
The goal is hopefully a good omen for Senegal. They haven't lost any of the previous 14 international matches which Mane has scored in (W9, D5).