Senegal qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup  after they beat South Africa 2-0 in a match played in Polokwane on Friday night.

The home team started brightly as they retained more possession. However, Senegal opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Sadio Mane’s defense splitting pass reached Diafra Sakho who slotted it home brilliantly.

Despite Bafana Bafana dominating possession, their first effort on target came in the 25th minute when Themba Zwane unleashed a powerful shot which was saved the keeper. Four minutes later, Lebogang Manyama was denied by the woodwork.

In the 38th minute, the West Africans doubled their lead through an own goal by Thamsanqa Mkhize. South Africa came close on the stroke of half time but Manyama’s strike was tipped over the bar.

The second half resumed and Bafana Bafana had a lively start but failed to break down Senegal’s defence.

No meaningful attempts were further made in the second half and the scoreline remained unchanged.

The result saw South Africa’s hopes of qualifying to the world cup completely extinguished. Meanwhile this will be Senegal’s first world cup appearance since 2002.