Senegal’s Vincent Gomis has spoken of his deep disappointment following the team’s quarter-final exit at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, admitting the squad had set their sights on going much further in the tournament.
Gomis, who delivered a standout performance throughout the competition by not conceding a single goal in open play, returned to his academic commitments at Génération Foot shortly after the team’s elimination.
The young goalkeeper continues to embody the balance of sport and education championed by his training centre.
Reflecting on the tournament, Gomis expressed pride in his performances, particularly in the match against Gambia, which he described as one of his strongest showings.
He credited the team’s defensive unit and overall organisation for helping him maintain clean sheets during the group stages, underscoring the collective effort that kept opponents at bay.
“Our backline was very well-coordinated, and that connection gave me a lot of confidence,” Gomis said. “Against Gambia, everything came together. I felt unbeatable.”
Despite the strong defensive showing, Senegal’s campaign was ultimately undone by their struggles in attack.
Gomis acknowledged that inefficiency in the final third was a recurring issue during the tournament, a view shared by teammates and the coaching staff.
The inability to convert chances proved costly in the knockout stages.
The defining moment of Senegal’s journey came in the quarter-final clash against Ivory Coast, which ended in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Gomis, who had been one of the standout goalkeepers in the tournament, was unable to save any of the Ivorian penalties.
Though visibly disappointed, he remained gracious in defeat.
“We had prepared for penalties, but sometimes it’s a matter of inches and luck,” he said. “They hit them well. I was frustrated, of course.
We had the upper hand in the game and couldn’t make it count.”
Despite the heartbreaking exit, Gomis praised the support and guidance of the Senegalese coaching staff, singling out his goalkeeping coach, Lamine Thiaré, for particular appreciation.
He believes the experience gained in Morocco will serve him well as he eyes future international competitions.
“I’ve learned so much from this tournament — about pressure, about composure, about how fine the margins can be at this level,” he said. “Now it’s time to work even harder and prepare for what’s next.”
The young shot-stopper remains focused on continuing his development, both in the classroom and on the pitch.
His immediate return to school life after the tournament is a reminder of the holistic approach taken by Génération Foot in shaping the next generation of Senegalese footballers.
Although the U17 Lions of Teranga fell short of their ambitions, Gomis’ individual performances did not go unnoticed, and he remains one of the brightest prospects in Senegal’s youth football setup.
As he looks ahead to the next World Cup and beyond, Gomis is determined to turn this early setback into a stepping stone for future success.
