Ghana-born Qatari forward Mohammed Muntari has made history by scoring Qatar’s first ever goal in the FIFA World Cup, as the host lost 3-1 in their second group A match against Senegal.
It was a moment of pride for both the player and country as the Sabon-Zongo born’s thunderous header in the 78th minute of Friday’s match ensured the host nation had something to cherish while they became the first to exit the tournament.
Muntari flew in and blasted a header past Senegalese goalie Édouard Mendy after connecting with Ismaeel Mohammad’s perfect cross from the right side of the field.
It was the 28-year-old’s 14th goal for the hosts, but their first in their only second match in their first ever world cup appearance.
The substitute’s goal brought the home side back into the game, sending a sea of maroons into raptures as a total of 41,797 spectators watched the match.
But hopes got dashed when a goal from Bamba Dieng six minutes later took the match out of Qatar’s reach.
Muntari, a product of TI Ahmadiya Senior High School, currently plays as a striker for Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League.
Muntari, born and raised in Sabon Zongo in Kumasi, moved to Qatar as a youngster and later neutralized the oil-rich country.
He is also a product of the GloLamp Soccer Academy, owned by former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey.
He was called up to the Qatar national team in December 2014 and made his debut on December 27, 2014, in a friendly against Estonia, scoring his first goal.
Senegal were leading 2-0 through goals from Boulaye Dia (41st minute) and Famara Diedhiou (48th minute) before substitute Mohammed Muntari etched his name into history by becoming the first Qatari to score in a World Cup with a 78th minute header.
The hosts have therefore missed their chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after their loss in the crucial Group A clash at Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.
Sabon-Zongo’s thunderous header in the 78th minute of Friday’s match ensured the host nation had something to cherish as they became the first to exit the tournament.
Muntari flew in and blasted a header past Senegalese goalie Édouard Mendy after connecting with Ismaeel Mohammad’s perfect cross from the right side of the field.
It was the 28-year-old’s 14th goal for the hosts, but their first in their only second match in their first ever world cup appearance.
The substitute’s goal brought the home side back into the game, sending a sea of maroons into raptures as a total of 41,797 spectators watched the match.
But hopes got dashed when a goal from Bamba Dieng six minutes later took the match out of Qatar’s reach.
Muntari, a product of TI Ahmadiya Senior High School, currently plays as a striker for Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League.
Muntari, born and raised in Sabon Zongo in Kumasi, moved to Qatar as a youngster and later neutralized the oil-rich country.
He is also a product of the GloLamp Soccer Academy, owned by former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey.
He was called up to the Qatar national team in December 2014 and made his debut on December 27, 2014, in a friendly against Estonia, scoring his first goal.
Senegal were leading 2-0 through goals from Boulaye Dia (41st minute) and Famara Diedhiou (48th minute) before substitute Mohammed Muntari etched his name into history by becoming the first Qatari to score in a World Cup with a 78th minute header.
The hosts have therefore missed their chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after their loss in the crucial Group A clash at Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.
