Diop was at the World Cup finals

The Lions got the goal with their first meaningful attack, in which Diop nodded an unstoppable header past Japan goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata.

Diop had risen above the Japanese defence to meet the right-wing corner taken by Henri Camara.

Substitute Souleymane Camara also came close and Henri Camara struck a fierce shot that hit the crossbar in the 78th minute.

English-based players Salif Daio and Amdy Faye took control of the midfield for Senegal, who kept possession for long periods and were never seriously tested by their disappointing hosts.

Japan's attack produced little until the 59th minute, when striker Atsushi Yanagisawa completely missed his kick from close range with no defender in sight.

Midfielder Junichi Inamoto also forced a sharp save from Senegal goalkeeper Tony Sylva in the 90th minute but was unable to hit the target from the resulting corner.

In their previous meeting in October 2001, Senegal beat Japan 2-0.

Teams

Senegal: Tony Sylva, Pape Malick Diop (captain), Lamine Diatta (Baye Ali Ibra Kebe, 62nd), Omer Daf, Souleymane Diawara, Salif Diao, Amdy Faye (Sylvain Ndiaye, 53rd), Pape Bouba Diop, Henri Camara (Mamadou Lamine Diabang, 86th), Mamadou Niang (Souleymane Camara, 62nd), Diomarsy Kamara (Ousmane Ndoye, 77th).