Senegal fall to Sierra Leone in opening UFOA-A U17 Women’s tournament match

Senegal endured a disappointing start to their debut campaign in the UFOA-A U17 Women’s Tournament after falling 2-1 to Sierra Leone on Wednesday in Liberia.

The Lioncelles, led by coach Serena Lena Gomis, entered the competition with high expectations but were left frustrated as they failed to secure a result in their opening outing.

Despite periods of dominance and promising passages of play, Senegal could not turn their control into goals, while Sierra Leone capitalised on their opportunities to claim a hard-fought victory.

The contest began with Senegal looking eager to impose themselves. Their forward line showed intent, pressing high and seeking to break down Sierra Leone’s defence with sharp movements and pace.

However, early chances went begging as poor finishing and a lack of composure in the final third proved costly.

Sierra Leone, more pragmatic in their approach, absorbed the early pressure and looked for opportunities on the counterattack.

Their patience paid off when they struck the opener midway through the first half. The goal gave them confidence, and they continued to threaten, making the most of lapses in Senegal’s defensive concentration.

Senegal responded after the interval with renewed energy. Gomis’ side pushed forward in numbers, and their persistence was rewarded with an equaliser that briefly shifted the momentum of the match.

At that point, it seemed the Lioncelles had turned a corner, raising hopes of securing a positive result from their debut.

But Sierra Leone quickly regained control. They punished Senegal once again with a well-taken goal that restored their advantage.

Despite a late surge from the Lioncelles, including a series of attacks that kept Sierra Leone under sustained pressure, the equaliser never came.

Sierra Leone’s defence held firm, and the final whistle confirmed Senegal’s defeat.

For Gomis and her players, the 2-1 scoreline was a bitter pill to swallow. The coach expressed her disappointment at the outcome, insisting that the performance was not truly reflected by the result.

Senegal had shown glimpses of quality but lacked the precision and ruthlessness required at this level of competition.

The loss also highlights the challenges facing Senegal as they continue their development in women’s youth football.

Entering the UFOA-A U17 Women’s Tournament for the first time was seen as an important step forward, yet the opening defeat underscores the work that still lies ahead if they are to compete consistently with their regional rivals.

Sierra Leone, meanwhile, celebrated a significant victory, showcasing their resilience and efficiency in front of goal.

Their ability to withstand pressure and strike at decisive moments proved the difference. The win not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their chances of progressing further in the competition.

Senegal will now have to regroup quickly as the tournament continues. With more fixtures ahead, the Lioncelles still have opportunities to recover, but improvement in finishing and defensive solidity will be essential if they are to leave a mark on their debut campaign.

For now, Sierra Leone’s triumph serves as an early reminder of the competitiveness of the UFOA-A U17 Women’s Tournament, where fine margins can determine success or failure.