Senegal is set to host the UFOA-A U17 tournament from October 17 to 31 in the city of Thiès. This prestigious competition, which gathers national teams from the West African zone, will not only determine the region’s champion but also serve as a qualifying event for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The stakes are especially high for Senegal’s young footballers. After finishing as runners-up in the previous UFOA-A tournament, losing to Mali, Senegal’s U17 team bounced back impressively by clinching the U17 AFCON title earlier this year in Egypt.
Now, playing on home soil, the Lionceaux, led by coach Pape Faye, are determined to go further and lift the UFOA-A trophy in front of their supporters.
The tournament draw has placed Senegal in Group A, where they will face Guinea, Gambia, and Liberia. Defending champions Mali, in Group B, will compete against Sierra Leone, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau.
The tournament format is straightforward: the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, setting the stage for intense competition as Africa’s rising stars battle for a spot in the U17 AFCON.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Seydou Sane, a member of the Senegalese Football Federation’s executive committee, expressed confidence in the nation’s preparations.
“We are committed to ensuring this tournament is a success,” he said during a recent meeting.
His comments reflect the broader ambition of the Senegalese Football Federation to not only secure a smooth event but also highlight the country’s growing football stature on the continent.
Senegal’s young squad will be hoping to build on their recent successes, and the home advantage could be a decisive factor in their quest for glory.
With the country riding high after their U17 AFCON triumph, the pressure will be on the Lionceaux to perform, and expectations from the local fans will be equally high.
The tournament promises to be a showcase of West African football talent, with each match serving as a crucial test for the region’s rising stars.
Senegal’s desire to reclaim their place at the top, combined with fierce competition from traditional rivals like Mali, guarantees a thrilling contest over the two-week period in Thiès.
