Senegal U17 women begin UFOA-A 2025 campaign against Sierra Leone

Senegal’s Under-17 women’s national team will launch their UFOA-A 2025 campaign this Wednesday with a highly anticipated opener against Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m.

The match marks the debut of the Lioncelles in this year’s regional tournament, which provides a crucial platform for young talents to showcase their ability and compete for qualification to upcoming continental competitions.

For Senegal, success in Monrovia is about more than just progressing in the tournament—it is an opportunity to confirm the country’s growing stature in women’s football.

The squad has been in intensive preparation under the guidance of head coach Serena Lena Gomis, who emphasises tactical organisation, determination, and collective discipline as the pillars of their campaign.

The coach believes these elements, coupled with the raw talent within her squad, will be key to securing a positive start.

“The preparation has been thorough, and the girls are ready to compete,” Gomis said on the eve of the fixture. “Our ambition is clear: we want to perform well, advance in the competition, and continue building for the future of women’s football in Senegal.”

For the players, the clash against Sierra Leone carries significant weight. A strong performance in the opening match could provide vital momentum, boosting confidence and setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.

The coaching staff has made clear that an early victory would not only strengthen Senegal’s chances of advancing but also send a message to rivals across the region.

The importance of this competition cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate objective of progressing to the latter stages, the UFOA-A tournament serves as a gateway to broader continental opportunities.

Strong showings here are often rewarded with qualification to Africa’s elite youth competitions, where exposure to tougher opposition helps shape the careers of emerging stars.

Senegal enters the tournament with growing optimism, buoyed by recent investments in women’s football and a new generation of promising players eager to seize their moment.

For many of these teenagers, the UFOA-A competition represents the biggest stage of their young careers, and they will be determined to make an impression.

The Lioncelles will need to draw upon their physical resilience and tactical awareness against Sierra Leone, a side equally motivated to make its mark.

Matches at this level are often decided by small details, and the Senegalese players will be expected to maintain focus and composure in order to capitalise on their opportunities.

As the whistle blows at SKD Stadium, all eyes will be on the Lioncelles to see whether they can rise to the occasion and begin their campaign on the front foot.

With preparation complete and ambitions clear, Senegal’s young women are poised to take their first steps in a tournament that could shape their future both at regional and continental level.