Senegal have booked Africa’s first ticket to the FIFA World Cup after running riot to beat south Africa 5-0 in the quarter final of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Wednesday evening.
This is the first time ever that Senegal have progressed beyond the group stages of the U17 AFCON And by extension, the first time they have ever qualified for the World Cup.
Senegal scored three goals in seven minutes late in the first half. In the second half, they needed just nine minutes to get their fourth, though it had to be given by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which was being used at the tournament for the first time.
The Senegalese midfield dictated the pace and rhythm of the match, providing a seamless link between defense and attack.
With a 5-0 cushion, South Africa’s fighting spirit was hugely dented, and Senegal eased through the remaining minutes with utter dominance.
cc: CAFONLINE