Senegal U20 beat DR Congo in first friendly ahead of WAFU tournament

Senegal’s Under-20 side began their preparations with a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the first of two friendly matches between the teams at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium.

Alassane Gueye and Adama Sagne scored for the Young Lions before Mongo Kalombo pulled a goal back for the Young Leopards late in the match.

The result gives Senegal a winning start to their preparations ahead of the upcoming WAFU Zone A U20 tournament and the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U20.

The two sides will meet again on 4 October in the second friendly, giving both teams another opportunity to assess their preparations.

𝙁𝙄𝙉 𝘿𝙀 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃 | Le Sénégal remporte son premier match amical de la semaine contre la RD Congo grâce à des buts de Alassane Gueye et Adama Sagne. Nos lionceaux retrouveront dimanche leur adversaire du jour pour un remake. #SENRDC pic.twitter.com/E9iSJY4IV1

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) October 1, 2026

Senegal take early advantage

Senegal controlled the first friendly well enough to establish a two-goal advantage before DR Congo responded late in the contest.

Gueye opened the scoring for the Young Lions before Sagne added a second goal to put the hosts in a strong position.

DR Congo continued to compete and eventually reduced the deficit through Kalombo.

The late goal gave the Young Leopards an opportunity to push for an equaliser, but Senegal held on to secure the 2-1 victory.

For the Young Lions, the win provides an encouraging beginning to a period of preparation that will lead into the WAFU Zone A tournament.

Second meeting awaits

Senegal and DR Congo will not have to wait long for another meeting.

The two teams are scheduled to face each other again on 4 October in their second friendly.

The double-header is intended to provide preparation for Senegal as they work towards the WAFU Zone A U20 competition.

It also gives the Young Lions an opportunity to continue assessing the squad before the tournament begins.

The first match has already provided Senegal with a victory, while DR Congo will have the chance to respond when the teams meet again.

Focus turns to Bamako

The friendly matches are part of Senegal’s preparations for the WAFU Zone A U20 tournament, which will be played in Bamako.

The draw for the competition took place on Thursday, with Senegal placed in Group B alongside Mauritania, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

Senegal enter the tournament as defending champions and will be looking to build towards another successful campaign.

The competition is scheduled to take place from 15 to 31 October 2026 in Bamako.

Two AFCON places at stake

The WAFU Zone A tournament carries added importance because two qualifying places for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations will be available.

That gives Senegal an additional target as they prepare for the competition.

The Young Lions will therefore use the remaining period of preparation to build towards a tournament in which qualification for the continental finals will be at stake.

Their first friendly against DR Congo has already provided a competitive test.

Gueye and Sagne supplied the goals that gave Senegal the advantage, while Kalombo’s late effort ensured the Leopards finished the match with something to take into the return fixture.

The second meeting on 4 October will provide another chance for both teams to continue their preparations.

For Senegal, attention will then turn towards Bamako and a Group B campaign against Mauritania, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.

With the WAFU tournament scheduled to run from 15 to 31 October, the Young Lions have limited time to complete their preparations.

Their 2-1 victory over DR Congo has given them a positive first step as they work towards defending their regional title and competing for one of the two places available at the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.