Senegal target third straight UFOA A U17 title as Gambia seek final upset

Senegal will face The Gambia in the final of the UFOA A U17 tournament at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar on Sunday, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.

The Senegalese side, who have won the competition in its past two editions, are aiming to secure a third consecutive title. The Gambia’s Baby Scorpions, however, will be hoping to produce a major upset against the tournament hosts.

Senegal go into the final as favourites after an unbeaten defensive record throughout the competition. The Lionceaux have yet to concede a goal, with Assane Sarr, Cheikh Thior and the rest of the defensive line protecting their goal effectively.

Their attacking players have also played a significant role in their progress. Souleymane Commissaire Faye, Maguette Gueye, Moussa Ndiaye and Cheikh Oumar Sy are among those who have impressed, giving Senegal a balanced team capable of creating danger at both ends of the pitch.

That threat is not limited to the forwards. Chikh Thior scored in Senegal’s semi-final against Guinea, underlining the contribution the defenders can make in attack as well as in their primary role.

The Gambia finished second in the group stage, behind Senegal, before reaching the final by eliminating Liberia in the semi-finals.

The final will be a repeat of the meeting between the two sides in the third round of the group stage. That match ended goalless, making The Gambia the only team in the tournament to prevent Senegal from scoring.

The Baby Scorpions will now attempt to go one step further and defeat the reigning champions. Senegal, meanwhile, will seek to maintain their defensive record and complete a third successive triumph on home ground.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium.