Japan trailed twice after goals from Sadio Mane (11') and Moussa Wague (71') but recovered on both occasions, first through Takashi Inui (34') and then through Honda (78').

 

The result means both sides are in control of their own destinies after accumulating four points from two games.

The other two teams in the group, Colombia and Poland, will meet in Kazan later today.

There was an slice of fortune about Senegal's opener, even if the goal reflected the early balance of play.

It came when M'Baye Niang's cross-field pass was met by a weak header from Japanise defender Genki Haraguchi and the ball fell at the feet of Youssouf Sabaly.

The right-back's shot was parried by goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima before bouncing off the shin of Mane and rebounding into the net (11').

Japan responded admirably and saw more of the ball after falling behind, as Senegal retreated into their own half.

The equliser came when Yuto Nagatomo did well to control a long ball into the penalty area before laying it off to Inui, who curled it past goalkeeper Khadim N'Diaye (34').

Japan carried their momentum into the second half and would have taken the lead if Yuya Osako had made contact with Gaku Shibasaki's low cross (59').

Moments later, Inui, who was lively throughout, hit the bar after Osako's clever backheel (65').

Yet it was the African side who retook the lead through Wague, who rifled home Sabaly's low cross from inside the area (71').

Back came Japan, drawing level again when N'Diaye made a mess of  Akira Nishino's cross and Honda was on hand to convert Inui's cutback (78'), earning Japan a deserved point.