Japan and Senegal maintain their spots as joint leaders of Group H at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia after the Asians came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against the West Africans in their Group H clash on Sunday evening.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane capitalised on a defensive error from Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to edge his side ahead on 11 minutes and Senegal could have increased the lead if not for poor finishing on their part.

Aliou Cisse’s team paid dearly for those missed chances after Takashi Inui scored a good goal to level proceedings for Japan with eleven minutes left in the first half.

After the halftime interval, Japan seized control of the game completely and missed several chances to take the lead only for that to come back to haunt them as their opponents took the lead again through Moussa Wague on 71 minutes to become the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history.

Japan’s response was swift as substitute Keisuke Honda capitalised on another goalkeeping error, this time from Senegal stopper Khadim N’diaye to score a second equaliser for his team.

Honda is the first Japanese player to score in three World Cup editions.

The result takes both sides to four points at the top of Group G and four ahead of Poland and Colombia who meet later in the other group game.