Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images
2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations champions Senegal are the first African team eliminated from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Colombia to finish up play in Group C. RS Berkane midfielder Mamadou Camara scored to put Senegal ahead in the first half but group winners Colombia snatched a point with an equalizer deep into second half stoppage time from Óscar Cortés. The late goal dropped Senegal to last place and elimination from the tournament in Argentina.
A victory was necessary for the Senegalese after collecting only a point through two matches and the Lion Cubs showed more urgency than Colombia whose status as group winners was already secure. Both teams came close in the opening twenty minutes before Camara pounced on a poor back pass from Colombia defender Kevin Mantilla and finished low past goalkeeper Luis Maruqinez to put Senegal ahead.
Colombia improved as the match wore on and a late charge saw the Senegalese eliminated in heart breaking fashion. Substitute Juan Castilla collected the ball thirty-five yards from goal and looped a brilliant pass to find the run of Cortés, who produced an excellent volley to place the ball beyond the reach of Senegal keeper Mamour Ndiaye and stun the African champions.
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