Senegal defeat DR Congo to squeeze into U20 AFCON last eight

Defending champions Senegal kept their title defence alive with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over DR Congo in their final Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Suez on Thursday.

Goals from Cheikh Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng secured a crucial win that sees the Young Teranga Lions advance to the quarter-finals as runners-up, edging out DR Congo on goal difference.

Ghana’s 1-0 win over Central African Republic in the simultaneous group fixture meant that only a win would suffice for Senegal, who came into the match with just one point from their opening two games.

Senegal started with urgency and were awarded a penalty in the 9th minute after Clayton Diandy was brought down in the box.

Thiam saw his spot-kick saved but made amends moments later, slotting home the rebound in the 11th minute to give the champions an early lead.

DR Congo responded well, with Messy Manitu and Frédéric Ngoyala both forcing saves from Senegal keeper Babacar Ndiaye in the second half.

But despite their attacking intent, the Congolese were wasteful in front of goal, and their hopes were ultimately dashed late on.

In the 81st minute, VAR awarded Senegal a second penalty after Dieu Kalonji handled in the area. Dieng stepped up and rifled home to seal a crucial three points.

The result means Senegal finish second in Group C on four points, behind leaders Ghana (7), and will now face Group D winners Senegal in the quarter-finals.

It was a spirited display from the Congolese, who had impressed earlier in the group stage with a win over Central African Republic and a draw against Ghana. But their failure to keep a clean sheet throughout the tournament proved costly.

Senegal, meanwhile, live to fight another day and will be looking to channel the momentum from this crucial win as they aim to become the first side since Nigeria (2005) to retain the U20 AFCON title.