AFCON U17: Senegal beats Morocco and win the trophy

Senegal won its first U17 AFCON. The Lion Cubs beat Morocco (2-1), on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

The competitions follow one another and the results are similar for Senegal. Another piece for their trophy locker.

The Senegalese were however taken aback in the finals, conceding a goal from the 14th minute. The captain of the Atlas Cubs Ait Boudlal opens the score. Boudlal put a header on a well-executed corner.

The Moroccans were more realistic on their first action. The Senegalese were completely tense, struggling to create danger in the opponent’s area. The Moroccans returned to the locker room with the advantage (1-0).

In the second half, Senegal is more dangerous. Mamadou Sadio shot just over the crossbar of the Moroccan keeper. At the other end, Morocco had a chance when Maali shot from the edge of the box, but missed. Trailing by a goal, Senegal did not give up. The Cubs even got a penalty after a handball by the Moroccan striker Ait Boudlal. Serigne Fallou Diouf stepped up and made a perfect counter-punch. Senegal equalizes and comes back in the game.

 And the worst was to come for the Atlas Cubs. Serigne Saliou Dia’s team doubled the lead three minutes later thanks to Mamadou Sawané (83rd). The latter dominates the whole defense and places a devastating header. The Moroccans pushed to get back to the score, but in vain. The Cubs thus get their first star in this competition.

Senegal wins a third consecutive continental title in four months after the U20 AFCON, last March and the CHAN in February.