Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I of the qualifying campaign.

The Real Madrid star took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 – just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose – while Bradley Barcola also found the net as Les Bleus secured all three points.

Mbappe darted across the penalty area to convert a brilliant Michael Olise pass on 66 minutes to break the deadlock in a contest where France struggled in the first half but came to life after the break.

Barcola came off the bench to score the second, before his club teammate Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in stoppage time. But Mbappe saved the best for last, blasting in from long range in the 96th minute to seal the win and become France's all-time top scorer with 58 goals.

Coach Didier Deschamps' decision to move Olise infield from the right wing proved crucial in swinging the game. Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, were the better side in the first half, hitting the post through Nicolas Jackson and missing a sitter through Ismaila Sarr.

France, one of the pre-tournament favorites, will face Iraq and Norway next in Group I. Deschamps, in his final tournament before stepping down, has warned against overconfidence.

Source: www.aljazeera.com