The painful trend continues...

Another African nation has seen its FIFA World Cup dream shattered by late goals, with Senegal becoming the latest casualty after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium after extra time in a dramatic Round of 32 clash.

The defeat adds to a growing list of heartbreaking exits for African teams in the knockout stage, where decisive goals have repeatedly arrived in the final minutes. Before Senegal’s collapse, South Africa were eliminated by Canada’s winning goal in stoppage time (90+2), Côte d’Ivoire conceded Norway’s winner in the 86th minute, and DR Congo suffered an 86th-minute defeat against England. Senegal’s collapse, sparked by Belgium’s goals in the 86th and 89th minutes before the extra-time winner, only deepened what many fans are calling the “86th-minute curse.”

For over 80 minutes, Senegal looked destined for one of Africa’s biggest victories of the tournament.

The Lions of Teranga dominated large spells of the match from the opening whistle. Their aggressive pressing, disciplined defending and dangerous counterattacks left Belgium struggling to create meaningful chances.

After threatening several times early on, Senegal deservedly broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Habib Diarra’s attacking move ended with a well-taken header beyond Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium enjoyed possession but lacked creativity, while Senegal remained organized and continued to threaten on the break.

Eight minutes into the second half, Ismaïla Sarr doubled the advantage after finishing a superb counterattack, putting Senegal 2-0 ahead and seemingly on course for the Round of 16.

Belgium responded by introducing fresh attacking players and increasing the pressure, but Senegal’s disciplined defence continued to frustrate the Red Devils for much of the second half.

Then the match changed in the space of three minutes.

Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium hope in the 86th minute with a clinical finish inside the penalty area before Youri Tielemans stunned Senegal with the equalizer in the 89th minute, completing an unlikely comeback and forcing extra time.

The momentum had completely shifted.

Although Senegal fought bravely during the additional 30 minutes, fatigue began to show as Belgium dominated possession and pushed relentlessly for a winner.

Their persistence paid off in the final minute of extra time when Belgium won a penalty. Tielemans stepped up and calmly converted in the 120th minute to complete a remarkable 3-2 comeback and send Belgium into the Round of 16.

For Senegal, it was another cruel reminder of how unforgiving knockout football can be. After producing one of their best performances of the tournament and leading by two goals for most of the match, they leave the World Cup empty-handed.

Even more painfully, their defeat continues a worrying pattern for African football at this tournament. Four African nations have now suffered knockout elimination through goals scored in the closing stages of matches, raising fresh questions about concentration, game management and the ability to see out results under pressure.

The “late-goal curse” has become Africa’s biggest opponent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, and Senegal are its latest heartbreaking victims.