Senegal’s U17 team faces preparation concerns ahead of World Cup in Qatar

Senegal’s U17 national team enters the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar under growing scrutiny over its limited preparation.

The tournament runs from November 3 to 27, and doubts continue to surround the readiness of the Lion Cubs before kickoff.

Coach Pape Ibrahima Faye’s side has played only two international friendlies, both against Morocco, which ended 0-0 and 2-2.

While the results brought some encouragement, the quality and quantity of the fixtures have sparked debate among football observers in Senegal.

Since those matches, the squad has trained locally, facing domestic clubs and football academies in a prolonged camp.

Critics argue that such preparation cannot fully test the team’s competitiveness at an international level.

A youth football coach in Senegal expressed frustration with the situation, stressing the importance of global exposure.

“It’s difficult to prepare for a World Cup without proper international matches,” he said. “These games help measure progress, fix mistakes, and build confidence.

Playing twice against Morocco is useful, but many players have never played outside Senegal. They need more experience before facing the best teams in the world.”

His concerns reflect a broader sentiment shared by many in Senegal’s football community. Several rival nations have already arrived in Qatar, adapting to the conditions and sharpening their systems through competitive friendlies.

Senegal, meanwhile, continues its local training sessions, raising fears that the team might lack the rhythm needed for top-level performance.

This will be Senegal’s third consecutive appearance at the U17 World Cup, and the team hopes to go beyond the round of 16 — a stage where they were eliminated in their last two campaigns. However, the current squad faces unique challenges.

The team has undergone major changes since its last AFCON appearance, where it exited in the quarter-finals, and now lacks established chemistry and international exposure.

Observers worry that these limitations could affect Senegal’s confidence once the competition begins. While the technical staff remains focused and motivated, the absence of international friendlies could leave the players untested against stronger opponents.

Many expect the World Cup group stage to be particularly demanding. Senegal has been drawn in Group C alongside Croatia, Costa Rica, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Lion Cubs open their campaign on November 3 against Croatia, followed by Costa Rica on November 6 and the UAE on November 9.

Despite the concerns, optimism remains within the squad. The players have shown commitment during training, and the coaching staff continues to stress teamwork and discipline.

Senegal will rely on its individual talents and fighting spirit to overcome its lack of preparation and make an impression on the global stage.

As the countdown continues, the young Lions carry the hopes of a football-loving nation eager to see its next generation shine under the Qatari lights. Whether limited preparation will hinder or inspire them remains to be seen, but the world will soon find out.