U-17 AFCON: Senegal progress but attacking woes persist

Reigning champions Senegal battled to beat lowly ranked Somalia 2-0 in a Group C fixture on Monday in the ongoing 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite dominating the proceedings, Senegal had a difficult time breaking down a resilient Somali side who showed determination in defense following their heavy defeat to The Gambia on the second match day.

It was a one-sided affair with Senegal creating countless scoring chances. El Hadji Sow struck the bar from close range just seconds after kickoff. The early pressure, combined with a defensive lapse from the young Ocean Stars, gave Senegal their first goal. Team captain Ibrahima Sow broke the deadlock at the half hour mark with a penalty kick.

In the second half, Somalia's goalkeeper Abdiasis Ahmed put on a superb display to keep the Senegalese attackers at bay. Abdourahmane Mbodj, Etienne Mendy, and Sow were all denied from scoring. Nonetheless, Sow secured the second goal deep into stoppage time as Senegal progressed to the quarterfinals and also confirmed qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Head coach Papa Ibrahima Faye may be concerned about his team’s wastefulness in attack, with his side managing to score only three goals in the group stage.

Senegal finished the group stage in second place with seven points and will face Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals. Somalia exited the competition with zero points but earned commendation for their defensive performance against the reigning champions.

Final Group C Table

	Points
Tunisia*	7
Senegal	7
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 the two winning teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
*Tunisia finished ahead of Senegal due to a superior goal difference after the teams played to a 0-0 draw in Group C. (Tunisia: +4, Senegal: +3)