U-17 AFCON: Holders Senegal settle for draw against Tunisia

In a top of the table clash from Group C, reigning U-17 Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Tunisia. The Lions of Teranga dominated the tie but Tunisia hold firm to earn a point.

The holders dominated both halves. They had sixteen attempts on goal but only four of them were on target. Abdourahmane Mbodj’s strike for a tight angle was parried away by Tunisian keeper Slim Bouaskar. Bouaskar, awarded with Man of the Match honors, once again showed his brilliance as he denied Sidy Ndiaye on a one-on-one situation following a failed clearance from Tunisian center back Abdessalem Akid.

Senegal continued to search for a goal in the second half were close with a free kick effort from team captain Ibrahima Sow, who rattled the post. Sow was then denied again on another well struck free kick by Bouaskar in the 81st minute.

Tunisia now tops the group with four points, ahead of Senegal who are second with the same point tally but an inferior goal difference. Tunisia finishes up Group C play against Gambia on Monday while Senegal take on Somalia, who are now eliminated from contention to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Group C Table (2 matches played)

	Points
Tunisia	4
Senegal	4
Gambia	3
Somalia	0

The top two teams qualify for the quarterfinals and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The four third place finishers from all groups qualify for a playoff, from which two teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.