Senegal’s hopes of reaching the next Women’s Under-20 World Cup were dealt a setback after a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Nigeria in the first leg of their third-round qualifier.
Playing on Nigerian soil on Saturday, Mbayang Thiam’s side fell to a single-goal loss that leaves their qualification ambitions hanging in the balance ahead of the return leg.
The Lionesses now face a decisive task when they host Nigeria in Thiès next week, knowing only a victory will keep their campaign alive.
The encounter was closely contested, with Senegal showing discipline and organisation against a traditionally strong Nigerian side.
However, the hosts managed to find the breakthrough that ultimately separated the two teams and gave them a slender advantage going into the second leg.
For Senegal, the defeat marked a frustrating outcome to a match in which Adji Ndiaye and her team-mates battled to impose themselves, particularly as the game progressed.
Despite periods of resistance and determination, they were unable to find an equaliser that would have significantly altered the balance of the tie.
The result means the Senegalese side must now regroup quickly and prepare for a crucial home fixture.
The return leg in Thiès will determine whether they advance to the fourth and final round of the qualifiers or see their World Cup hopes come to an end at this stage.
Qualification for the Women’s U20 World Cup remains the clear objective, but the margin for error has now disappeared.
Senegal will need to produce a composed and effective performance in front of their supporters to overturn the deficit and secure progression.
The coaching staff and players are expected to focus on recovery and tactical adjustments in the days ahead, aware of the challenge posed by Nigeria but also conscious of the opportunity that a home match presents.
A single goal deficit keeps the tie finely balanced, even if the pressure now rests firmly on Senegal’s shoulders.
As the qualifiers reach a critical phase, the second leg promises to be decisive. For Senegal’s young Lionesses, the task is clear: respond with resilience, claim a victory in Thiès, and keep their World Cup dream alive.
