Tunisia battled to a goalless draw against Senegal on Friday in Group C of the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, with goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar delivering a heroic performance to keep the defending champions at bay.
Bouaskar, who came through the ranks at AS Roma, was the undisputed standout in a tense encounter at the Mohamed V Complex in Casablanca.
Under constant pressure from Senegal’s attack, the young Tunisian produced a string of outstanding saves that ultimately earned him the Man of the Match award and secured Tunisia a valuable point.
“An impenetrable wall” would not be an exaggeration for the performance Bouaskar put on.
The 17-year-old displayed sharp reflexes, precise positioning, and unshakeable composure under fire.
In the second half, he denied Ibrahima Sorry Sow from close range and parried away a number of dangerous set-pieces, frustrating the Senegalese side who had looked poised to break the deadlock.
From the outset, Senegal dictated the rhythm of the game.
Their high pressing game, led by the energetic Pape Ibrahima Faye, saw Tunisia pinned back deep in their own half.
Sidy Barhama Ndiaye and Mouhamed Wagué regularly burst down the flanks, but the final ball too often lacked precision.
Despite dominating possession, Senegal couldn’t find a way past Tunisia’s defensive block.
Even when they did, Bouaskar stood firm. In one of the match’s most dramatic moments, Ibrahima Sorry Sow struck the woodwork from a set-piece before seeing another goal-bound effort palmed away by the Tunisian goalkeeper moments later.
While Bouaskar rightly stole the headlines, Tunisia’s defensive structure deserves equal credit.
The Carthage Eaglets maintained a disciplined low block throughout, frustrating their opponents and leaving few gaps to exploit.
Central defender Ahmed Ben Yahia was a rock at the back, winning crucial aerial duels and organizing the backline.
There were also bright moments in attack for Tunisia, notably from substitute Haj Abdallah, whose composure and creativity on the ball offered rare glimpses of offensive intent.
With this result, Tunisia retain top spot in Group C on goal difference, level on points with Senegal at four.
Gambia sits just behind on three points following their win over Somalia, while the Somali side remain without a point.
As the group heads into its final round of matches, qualification for the quarter-finals remains wide open, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the group phase.
