Senegal U17 1–2 South Africa U17: Late Winner Seals Dramatic CAF U17 Cup of Nations Opener

South Africa U17 came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory over Senegal U17 in their opening CAF U17 Cup of Nations Group Stage encounter, edging a tight contest in which defensive discipline and key moments proved decisive more than overall statistics.

• Senegal U17 will play with Ghana U17. May 17 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.
• South Africa U17 will play with Algeria U17. May 17 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.

Senegal U17

South Africa U17

Substitutions:

Senegal U17

• S. Nogueira

South Africa U17

• O. Sekgoto

Ball possession:

In a cagey Match Round 1 clash, both sides spent long spells cancelling each other out, but South Africa showed greater composure in the final third when it mattered. Senegal struck first, only for the South Africans to respond, turn the game around and secure three vital points in their quest to reach the knockout stages.

Passes:

### Tight margins in a finely balanced opener

Defense:

Although the scoreboard suggests an open game, this was largely a tactical battle. Both sides were disciplined out of possession and tried to press intelligently rather than recklessly. The match ebbed and flowed without either team dominating the ball for long stretches – officially, possession was recorded as:

Face-to-face:

– Ball possession: Senegal U17 — 0%, South Africa U17 — 0%

Fouls:

Yellow cards:

• L. Mbengue (Senegal U17) at 84 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• Senegal U17 – L
• South Africa U17 – W

Top 5 CAF Cup of Nations – U17 scorers:

1. (0, )
2. (0, )
3. (0, )
4. (0, )
5. (0, )

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Senegal U17 will play with Ghana U17. May 17 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.
• South Africa U17 will play with Algeria U17. May 17 at 16:00 (GMT), on None.