Poland's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (R) misses the ball during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Poland and Senegal at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. Photo: AFP

FIFA World Cup: Senegal records first African win

graphic.com.gh/bbc Sports News Jun - 19 - 2018 , 17:05

Senegal defeated Poland 2-1 on Tuesday in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H clash to record the first win by an African team at the competition.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse benched his regular captain Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham, giving his star player Mane added responsibility as the West Africans open their World Cup campaign.

Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak scored a goal but made a costly error as Senegal began their World Cup campaign with victory.

With Senegal ahead through a first-half own goal by Thiago Cionek, Krychowiak played a high, aimless backpass that striker M'Baye Niang controlled ahead of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny before tapping into an empty net.

Krychowiak pulled a goal back in the 86th minute with a header from Kamil Grosicki's free-kick but Senegal held on.

Poland are the highest-ranked side in Group H at number eight in the world, but struggled to create further chances with a free-kick from captain Robert Lewandowski one of just four shots on target.

Senegal, making only their second World Cup appearance, join Japan - who beat Colombia earlier on Tuesday - on three points at the top of the group.