Senegal's tactical shift at half-time was the decisive factor. Aliou Cissé moved Pape Matar Sarr into a more advanced role, effectively creating a 4-2-3-1 with genuine width and depth. This overwhelmed CIV's midfield three, which had been set up to dominate possession rather than absorb a high press. Ivory Coast's xG of 1.21 was largely built on first-half momentum; after the 60th minute they managed just one shot on target. Senegal's double-pivot of Gueye and Camara was outstanding — winning second balls, recycling quickly, and denying Kessié and Sangaré the time to play forward. Nicolas Jackson's physicality and link-up play with Mané gave Senegal a focal point that CIV's centre-backs could not handle in a two-on-two. The result is a fair reflection of the second-half balance of play, even if CIV's opener flattered to deceive early on.

• Sadio Mané's equaliser was his 37th international goal — a new all-time Senegal record at a World Cup finals.
• Nicolas Jackson's winner was his 3rd goal in 4 World Cup 2026 matches, cementing his status as Senegal's focal point.
• Ivory Coast's xG of 1.21 flattered a side that mustered just one shot on target in the second half.
• Senegal dominated the second-half press, winning 9 of 11 duels in CIV's defensive third after the 60th minute.
• Pape Matar Sarr's creative output (2 key passes, 1 assist) was the engine of Senegal's second-half turnaround.
• CIV captain Kessié was largely nullified by Gueye and Camara's double-pivot, completing only 61% of his passes.