Senegal crash out of U20 AFCON after penalty heartbreak against Nigeria

Defending champions Senegal were eliminated from the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat (3-1) to Nigeria in Monday’s quarterfinal. The Young Teranga Lions, largely outplayed at Ismailia’s Suez Canal Authority Stadium, relied heavily on goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho’s heroics to force spot-kicks after a goalless stalemate.

Nigeria dominated early, with Sissokho denying a close-range effort in the 14th minute before defender Taly Dia made a desperate block.

The Senegalese attack struggled, only threatening briefly when Amadou Badji’s shot forced a fumble from Nigerian keeper Ebenezer Harcourt—but Ibrahima Dieng failed to capitalize.

Despite resilience, Senegal’s disjointed performance culminated in a tame shootout exit, with three missed penalties sealing their fate.

Nigeria advances to the semifinals, while the dethroned champions return home earlier than expected, their title defense ending in frustration.