Defending champions Senegal held by Resilient Central African Republic

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations reigning champions Senegal, were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Central African Republic in a closely contested Group C encounter on Friday evening.

After a goalless first half despite numerous chances, Senegal finally found the breakthrough in the 49th minute. Cheikh Thiam rose high to meet a pinpoint cross from Yaya Diémé and powered a header into the top left corner, giving the defending champions a deserved lead.

Despite enjoying a lion’s share of the possession, Senegal failed to capitalise on their momentum and were made to regret after CAR did well to remain resolute.

Second half substitute, Diogène Pengazonia latched onto a through ball from Jores Mbaïgoto and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to level the score in the 74th minute to the dismay of the defending champions.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the final minutes, but failed to convert late opportunities.

Thiam came closest again with a header that was missed narrowly before being substituted late on.

The match saw a flurry of substitutions and physical challenges, with four yellow cards handed out, including one to Abdias Yangba of the Central African Republic in the final minute of regulation time.

Despite Senegal’s dominance in possession and shot attempts, the Central African Republic’s resilience and tactical discipline earned them a valuable point against their more fancied opponents.

Senegal now turn their attention to their next assignment in a West African duel against Ghana as they look to bounce back and secure a place in the knockout stages.

The Central African Republic on the other hand will take confidence from their disciplined display against the defending champions and will look to replicate their performance when they face DR Congo on Monday.

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON action matches are all live on CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV.