Senegal began their 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over Gambia, but head coach Pape Ibrahima Faye believes his side must improve if they are to progress further in the tournament.
A game of two halves
Despite securing all three points in their opening match, Faye acknowledged that Senegal delivered a mixed performance, particularly struggling in the second half.
While the team displayed strong attacking principles early on, they lost their rhythm as the game progressed.
“In the first half, we were able to roll out and play inside with our full-backs. This is part of our attacking principles,” Faye said after the match. “But in the second half, we weren’t technically good. We missed too many passes and took on the ball too many times going forward.”
His concerns highlight the need for greater precision and composure as the tournament unfolds.
A promising yet imperfect start
Senegal’s early dominance saw them control possession and create attacking opportunities, yet they were unable to convert their fluid build-up play into a more comfortable scoreline.
The lack of clinical finishing kept Gambia in contention, forcing the Lionceaux to defend resolutely in the closing stages.
Faye emphasized that tournament football is about learning and adapting, and he remains confident that his team will make the necessary adjustments.
“This kind of competition allows us to correct our imperfections,” he noted, underlining the importance of refining their tactical approach.
Looking ahead
With a winning start secured, Senegal will now shift their focus to their next group-stage encounter.
Faye will be hoping for a more consistent display across both halves, ensuring his side can capitalize on their attacking strengths while maintaining control throughout the match.
As the defending champions, Senegal carries high expectations in this year’s U17 AFCON, and their performance against Gambia serves as both a warning and an opportunity for growth in the matches ahead.
