WAFU Zone A U20 Tournament Kicks Off in Guinea with Thrilling Opening Matches
The 2019 edition of the U20 Nations Tournament of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A officially kicked off on Sunday, and the host nation Guinea, alongside Senegal, made a blazing start to the competition. The tournament, held at the newly inaugurated Lansana Conté Stadium in Nongo, promises high-quality football and showcases the region’s best emerging talents.
Guinea opened the tournament with a commanding performance against Mauritania. The match started explosively, with Algassime Bah converting a penalty in the second minute to give the Syli a rapid lead. This early goal set the tone for the hosts, who dominated proceedings with confidence and precision. In the second half, Ibrahima Sory Camara doubled the advantage, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory for Guinea. The team’s fluid attacking play and disciplined defense impressed the large crowd, with Lamine Mohamed Soumah earning the Man of the Match award, presented by tournament sponsor Sergio. Guinea’s opening performance not only delighted local fans but also sent a clear message to the rest of the competition: the Syli are serious contenders for the trophy.
Meanwhile, Senegal produced an equally commanding display against Sierra Leone in the second Group A match. The Lions of Teranga showed their attacking prowess, running out 4-1 winners. The standout moment came from Papa Matar Sarr, who netted a spectacular hat-trick, leaving the opposition scrambling to respond. Senegal’s clinical finishing and tactical organization demonstrated why they are among the favorites in the tournament, combining youthful energy with technical quality.
With the first round of matches concluded, anticipation is already building for the upcoming fixtures. Guinea will face Senegal in what promises to be a thrilling clash of two unbeaten teams, while Sierra Leone will take on Mauritania, hoping to bounce back after their respective losses. These encounters, scheduled for Tuesday, are expected to draw large crowds eager to witness the region’s next generation of football stars.
The tournament began with a grand opening ceremony, celebrating the start of the competition and the official inauguration of the 50,000-seat Lansana Conté Stadium. The event highlighted Guinea’s commitment to developing football infrastructure and promoting the sport in the region. This edition is also notable for being the first WAFU Zone A tournament organized under the leadership of new president Mamadou Antonio Souare, whose election has brought renewed energy and ambition to West African youth football.
As the WAFU U20 Nations Tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the young talents making their mark on the international stage. Guinea and Senegal have already set high standards, but the coming matches promise surprises, dramatic goals, and emerging stars who could define the future of West African football. With a combination of skill, strategy, and determination, the tournament is off to a thrilling start, capturing the excitement and passion of football in the region.
