Senegalese Football Federation vice-president Abdoulaye Saydou Sow has described the country’s early exit from the U17 Africa Cup of Nations as a disappointment, insisting that the team should have advanced to at least the semi-final stage.
Speaking from Morocco, where he served as a member of the CAF Youth Football Commission during the tournament, Sow offered a candid assessment of the Lion Cubs’ performance.
Despite entering the competition as favourites, Senegal failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals, finishing second in their group behind Tunisia.
“This is a failure,” Sow admitted. “We were expected to go much further, especially given the quality of our preparations and the expectations placed on this generation. Reaching the last four should have been the minimum.”
While acknowledging criticism surrounding player selection, Sow emphasized that youth tournaments are primarily a platform for talent development rather than solely results.
“Of course, performance matters,” he said, “but above all, these competitions are about building for the future. That must remain the priority.”
He highlighted a paradox in the team’s campaign, noting that Senegal did not concede a single goal throughout the competition, yet struggled offensively.
“Our defensive structure was solid, but we were lacking efficiency in front of goal,” he explained. “This points to a broader issue in the selection and preparation process, especially in ensuring fairness and inclusivity across the country’s regions.”
Sow also called for a reassessment of the current selection system to ensure that all young footballers have an equal opportunity to be identified and nurtured.
Turning to domestic matters, Sow voiced support for the decision to uphold the original date of the Senegalese Football Federation’s general assembly.
He dismissed suggestions of extending his mandate, reiterating his commitment to democratic governance.
“The stability of Senegalese football institutions must not be undermined,” he stressed. “The process must remain transparent, and only affiliated clubs and official groups have the legitimacy to participate in the electoral process.”
Sow also criticised attempts to manipulate public opinion through social media campaigns, warning against what he termed “external pressure” aimed at influencing decision-making within the federation.
As the Lion Cubs return home from a tournament that promised much but delivered little, Sow’s comments underscore a broader need for introspection—both in sporting terms and in the administration of Senegalese football.
