Diafra Sakho marked his return to the international stage with a vital goal in Senegal's 2-0 victory over Cape Verde Islands in Saturday's World Cup qualifiers.
On his first international appearance in almost two years, Sakho broke the deadlock with just eight minutes remaining to help the Lions of Teranga to the three points which take them top of Group C in the African qualification tournament.
Cheikhou Kouyate also played the 90 minutes in Praia, as Senegal moved within a victory of booking their place in Russia.
Aliou Cisse's men have two chances to claim the points they need, with a double header against South Africa to come next month.
In Europe, Jose Fonte was an unused substitute as Portugal needed two second half goals to see off Andorra.
The visitors were forced to call upon Cristiano Ronaldo from the bench with the scoresheet still blank at the break, and the Real Madrid man delivered with the opening goal just after the hour.
AC Milan's Andre Silva added a second near the end, and now Portugal know victory against Switzerland in Tuesday's final group game would result in qualification.
Finally, Anthony Scully was also an unused substitute for Republic of Ireland's U19s, who earned a thumping 5-0 win against Cyprus in Waterford to give their hopes of progressing from the UEFA U19 Championship qualifying round a boost. They face Serbia in their final Group 7 game on Tuesday.