enegal open up two-goal advantage with strikes either side of half-time
Mohammad Muntari hit back with Qatar's first World Cup goal
Bamba Dieng wrapped up points with late effort
Goals: Senegal: Dia (41), Diédhiou (48), Dieng (84) Qatar: Muntari (78)
Senegal survived a second-half fright to defeat hosts Qatar and open their Group A account at this intriguing World Cup.
Qatar were markedly improved on their opening-day showing against Ecuador but conceded goals to Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou either side of half-time. Mohammad Muntari powered home a 78th-minute header to raise the possibility of an unlikely comeback. But Bamba Dieng swept home to ease Senegal nerves and complete a vital victory.
Qatar appealed for a penalty on 34 minutes when Akram Afif crumpled to the turf with Ismaila Sarr for company but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz didn’t see enough contact to point to the spot.
Dia seized on a slip from defender Boualem Khoukhi to fire Senegal in front four minutes before half-time. And Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was defeated for a second time three minutes after the restart when Ismail Jakobs' corner was met at the near post by Diedhiou’s glancing header.