Senegal reach U17 AFCON finals after beating Guinea 3-0

Senegal have reached the final of the UFOA A U17 tournament and secured qualification for the final phase of the CAN U17 after defeating Guinea 3-0 in Thursday’s semi-final.

The Lionceaux took control late in the match after Guinea had threatened to keep the contest alive. Senegal will now have the opportunity to defend their title in the next edition of the CAN U17 final phase.

Senegal made the breakthrough in the 14th minute following a cautious start from both sides. Moussa Ndiaye rose to head in a free-kick delivered by Maguette Gueye.

Guinea gradually grew into the game and created pressure as they looked for an equaliser. However, they were unable to beat Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr, who remained determined to preserve his clean sheet.

The Senegalese goalkeeper kept Guinea out until half-time, ensuring his side took a narrow lead into the break.

Guinea were more threatening after the restart, with Salif Camara and his team-mates pushing forward in search of a way back into the match. Their finishing let them down, however, particularly in the decisive moments inside the Senegal penalty area.

Senegal focused on protecting their advantage and looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. That approach finally produced a second goal in the 89th minute, when Souleymane Commissaire Faye found the net.

Five minutes of added time gave Guinea one final chance to stage a remarkable comeback. Instead, their hopes were ended almost immediately after the restart.

In similar circumstances to Senegal’s opening goal, Cheikh Thior headed home from a free-kick to make it 3-0. The goal effectively settled the tie and ended Guinea’s hopes of reaching the final.

The Syli’s difficult finish was compounded when Aboubacar Kourouma was sent off for an offence committed while he was the last defender.

Senegal’s victory means they have qualified for both the final of the UFOA A U17 tournament and the final phase of the CAN U17. They will also have the chance to compete for the title they currently hold.