By Izuchukwu Okosi
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to help France defeat Senegal 3-1 in their opening Group I game of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico on Tuesday night, reports Newslegend.
The game at the New Jersey stadium in New York which was a repeat of both teams’ fixture in the 2002 World Cup when Senegal humiliated the then World and European champions was even in the first half but came alive in the second half as Les Blues kicked into gear.
Nigerian-born France international Michael Olise was instrumental in France’s win as he assisted Mbappe find the back of the net for the two goals that makes the latter, originally from Cameroon, become France’s leading goal scorer in international football with 58 goals and surpassing Olivier Giroud who has 57 goals to his credit.
Former Arsenal star, Thierry Henry is in distant third with 41 strikes for the French side.
Bradley Barcola scored deep in second half but the Senegalese had their hopes of scoring earlier dashed when Nickolas Jackson was deemed offside and had his fabulous ‘goal’ ruled out for offside.
Teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye reduced the arrears when it was 2-1 but Mbappe had other ideas as he slid into space to connect with an Olise perfect pass to make it 3-1 within the eight minutes of added time.
