Sow strike hands Senegal slim win over Gambia in Group C opener
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A stunning early free-kick from Ibrahima Sow handed Senegal a 1-0 victory over Gambia in their opening Group C clash at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Played at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi in El Jadida, Senegal got off to a dream start when Sow curled in a superb right-footed strike into the top corner from a free-kick in just the 7th minute.
It proved to be the only goal in a tense encounter between the West African neighbours.
The tightly-contested affair saw Gambia respond with spells of possession and pressure, particularly in the second half.
The Young Scorpions created some dangerous moments, including a close-range effort from Ebrima Jatta that narrowly missed the target in the 87th minute.
Despite late pressure from Gambia, Senegal’s disciplined defence stood firm, with Cheikh Dieng and Lamine Mbengue key in thwarting attacks, while goalkeeper Alpha Mbengue pulled off a crucial save in the 69th minute to deny Bisenty Mendy from distance.
Senegal had chances to extend their lead, notably when Mouhamed Wagner and Ousseynou Ndiaye both fired narrowly wide in the second half, but they ultimately settled for the one-goal margin.
The victory puts Senegal top of the table with three points with Tunisia taking on Somalia in the group's other game on Tuesday evening.
The Young Teranga Lions will be encouraged by their solid start as they look to emulate their senior counterparts’ recent continental dominance.
Gambia, meanwhile, will need to bounce back quickly when they face Somalia in their next group match on Friday while Seengal take on Tunisia.
With only two group-stage matches remaining, every point counts in the race for the semi-finals and a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
