Senegal, Africa eliminated from 2018 FIFA World Cup

Senegal have been eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, after losing 0-1 to Colombia in the final Group H game.

The Lions of Teranga, who were the only remaining African side in the tournament, became the first side in history to be eliminated from the World Cup based on their fair play points.

#SEN are out!

They're the first team ever to be eliminated from a #WorldCup based on fair play points.#COL will play the runners-up from #ENG and #BEL group, #JPN will play the winners. pic.twitter.com/ro7cQU7peg

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 28, 2018

Senegal, ended their campaign level on points with Japan, who also lost their final game 0-1 to Poland, but were eliminated because they had more yellow cards than the Japanese.

Japan and Senegal having the same number of points, goal difference and goals scored, it came down to disciplinary record to decide the runners-up. Japan progressed with two fewer yellow cards than the African side.

This will be the first time since the round of 16 came into being in 1986, that there will no representation of an African side.

The other African teams at this year’s World Cup including Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco were eliminated.

How the match unfolded

Following 74 minutes of tense football with few chances, Mina stooped to score the crucial goal from a corner and send the yellow-clad Colombian fans wild in the Samara Arena.

Senegal, who had most of the better play in the first half, thought they had a penalty when Sadio Mane went down in the area on 17 minutes. However, after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR), Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez was deemed to have touched the ball and the decision was reversed.

Colombia will face the runner-up of Group G, which will be either England or Belgium.