Senegal remained perfect through two matches at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations with a dominant 3-0 victory over Mozambique on Wednesday. Les Lionceaux retain their spot at the top of Group A and are through to the quarterfinals with a match to spare following the victory ahead of their final group stage matchup against hosts Egypt. Mozambique, with a point from their two games, will likely need to defeat Nigeria on Saturday to have any chance of joining Senegal in the quarterfinals.
The Senegalese team were labeled favorites to win the competition and continue to live up to expectations, taking control early on against the Mambas who did manage to hold out well in the first half with their organized defense. After struggling to find a breakthrough while controlling possession and posing more of a threat, Les Lionceaux hit their opponents with a punch just before halftime.
In the second minute of stoppage time star midfielder Lamine Camara exchanged passes with Pape Demba Diop and put a shot on target. Mozambique goalkeeper João Fasistencio did well to save but pushed the ball right to Papa Diallo who tapped in the rebound for an easy finish.
Fasistencio’s goal continued to be under pressure following halftime and Senegal doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. Captain Samba Diallo broke free from two Mozambican defenders on the left side of the penalty area and his shot came back off the post to Diop who finished the rebound. Mozambique showed little potential to get back into the match and the Lion Cubs finished off the scoring in the 85th minute when a perfect floated cross from left back Souleymane Basse found Papa Diallo for a high header past Fasistencio.
Highlights from the Group A clash are below.
