Defending champions Senegal overcome resilient Somalia to advance to next round and secure FIFA U-17 World Cup place

TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Senegal had to dig deep against a highly spirited Somalia on Monday evening, as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory that saw them conclude the eight places of the quarter-finals of the ongoing competition in Morocco.

The defending champions’ victory also sees them officially book their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup where they will be amongst the African representatives set to fly the continent’s flag later this year.

Despite exiting the competition without a point to their name, Somalia will be proud of the gallant fight they put up in their Group C matches throughout the campaign, with was their first in the competition.

After holding the defending champions for most parts of the opening half, Somalia conceded a penalty that was converted by Ibrahima Sow in the 29^th minute.

The concession did not deter the debutants who continued pressing hard for the leveller and showed no fear towards their more fancied opponents.

Senegal would eventually find the final goal in the dying minutes of the match, with El Hadji Ibrahim Sow converting in the dying minutes of referee’s added time to see them through to the next round.