Senegal thought they had one foot in the last 16 of the World Cup before Keisuke Honda's late strike ensured a share of the spoils.
Senegal and Japan missed the chance to take a giant stride towards the World Cup knockout stages after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Ekaterinburg Arena.
After winning their opening games, three points for either side would have made them outright Group H leaders and put them in pole position for a last-16 berth.
As it is, they will have to endure an anxious wait for the result of Poland and Colombia's clash later on Sunday to know what they need to do in the final round of fixtures on Thursday.