Gambia edge Senegal on penalties to win UFOA A U17 Tournament

Gambia claimed the UFOA A U17 Tournament trophy on Sunday after beating Senegal on penalties in a tense final at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

The hosts had been targeting a third zonal title, but Gambia held their nerve in a match that finished goalless after 90 minutes. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the final was decided from the penalty spot.

The game followed the pattern of the teams’ meeting in the opening round, which also ended 0-0. Gambia once again kept Senegal scoreless, completing the tournament without conceding a goal in open play against the Lionceaux.

Senegal created opportunities during the final, but their attacking pressure produced no breakthrough. Gambia’s defensive organisation repeatedly frustrated the hosts, with attempts from Cheikh Oumar Sy, Daouda Fofana Fall, Kader Ndour and their team-mates all repelled.

The task became even more difficult for Senegal when Mahamet Ba was sent off in the 88th minute, leaving the hosts to finish the match with 10 players.

Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr produced saves to keep his side in contention during the shootout, but he could not prevent Gambia from converting enough penalties to secure the trophy.

Cheikh Thior missed from the spot for Senegal, and that error proved decisive as Gambia won the shootout 5-3.