A striking group A fixture between a consistent South-American Nation and the reigning Champions of Africa who will be looking to forget their cruel elimination in 2018.
✔ 1×2 Prediction: Ecuador vs Senegal
Ecuador and Senegal could well put on a close and exciting match for us. The team that initiates the action will take a large step towards victory. With that said, we can see this one ending in a draw.
✔ Exact Score Prediction: Ecuador – Senegal
This matchup promises a lot. Senegal will be looking to enact its game plan against an Ecuadorian team that won’t be feeling any pressure. Our prediction for the exact score is a balanced match in which both teams will be unsuccessful in taking the lead.
Victory for Senegal
This is not the outcome we foresee. Though they are the favourites, the Lions of Teranga will be looking to conserve their energy for the eventual Round of 16, whereas Ecuador will not want to leave them be and will be looking to trip up the teammates of Sadio Mané. With that said, a 0-1 or 1-2 victory is still a possibility.
Draw
This scenario is entirely possible, and in fact, we think it is the most likely outcome. Senegal may well change out two or three of their mainstay players, and against a stubborn team like Ecuador, a 1-1 or 2-2 draw seems like a fair outcome for these two teams.
Victory for Ecuador
This is the least likely outcome, in our opinion. Ecuador should, all the same, be able to give the 2022 Champions of Africa some problems, and a 1-0 or 2-1 victory seems like a long shot but shouldn’t be written off entirely.
✔ Half-time/Full-time prediction: Ecuador 1st half; Draw 2nd half
We foresee an aggressive and active Ecuadorian team at the beginning of the match, which could allow Ecuador to score, but the willpower of the Senegalese may well save them, and an equaliser may well come along to limit the damage.
✔ Scorer Predictions: Ecuador vs Senegal
This match could see the Ecuadorian captain, Enner Valencia, find the back of the net. His teammate Renato Ibarra might also manage to score in this match. Finally, on the Senegalese side, Boulaye Dia, the former Reims attacker, could be the difference for his team if he is on form.
✔ Double Chance Scoring predictions: E. Valencia / B. Dia
As mentioned above, Enner Valencia is the one to watch with keen eyes for the Senegalese defence, just like Boulaye Dia, who is very dangerous in front of goal and won’t need many opportunities to put one away.
📄 Match Analysis: Ecuador vs Senegal
Pre-bet Analysis
Ecuador managed to escape the danger zone. Fourth in the South American zone behind Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, Ecuador earned the right to contest its fourth World Cup, all four of which have been in the 21st Century, in 2002, 2006 and 2014.
Senegal made it in two steps. Having qualified very easily, soaring through its qualification group, in front of Togo, Namibia and Congo, Senegal struggled much more against Egypt in the playoffs. It took a penalty shootout, just like in the final of the African Cup of Nations, to separate the two, and just like in February, Sadio Mané’s team came out on top.
A first encounter in a World Cup setting. Senegal has won both of its previous encounters with Ecuador, but these were only friendlies, with the last one being back in 2005. Nevertheless, the Senegalese will want to make it three wins in as many matches against its adversaries.
Team Form
Ecuador is showing its current prowess. With four defeats in its last fourteen matches, Ecuador is on quite a positive streak (five victories and five draws) and will be looking to keep this up in the Qatar World Cup.
The 20th nation in Fifa’s rankings is in great form, having lost only one match in its last 15 outings, that being the away match against Egypt (1-0), which did not prevent Senegal from qualifying for this World Cup. Out of those 15 matches, the African squad has won 10.
