International friendly: Chile 2 Senegal 1

Senegal continued their run of bad form with a 2-1 loss to a revitalised Chile in La Serena on Wednesday.

Senegal, who failed to qualify for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, took the lead through Pape Sane, who found the net with a fierce drive in the 10th minute.

But Chile, under the guidance of new manager Jorge Sampaoli, came out fighting in the second half and drew level when Carlos Munoz headed home a Fernando Menezes cross in the 52nd minute.

Substitute Patricio Rubio was then fouled in the box before Menezes stepped up from the spot to hand Chile an advantage they would not relinquish.

Senegal ended the match with nine men after Mbaye Moussa Ndione and then Khassim Soumare were sent off in the closing stages.

“We’re very happy. These kinds of matches are good to improve the team’s functioning,” Chile captain Jose Rojas said following the game.

“We had some problems but the important thing is that we started this process with a victory in front of our people.”

Chile are sixth in the South American World Cup qualifying group with 12 points from nine matches ahead of clashes with Peru and Uruguay in March.