Senegal Thrashes South Africa 5-0, Secures U17 World Cup Ticket
Senegal have booked Africa’s first ticket to the U-17 FIFA World Cup after thrashing South Africa 5-0 in the quarter final of the U-17 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 U-17 AFCON And by extension, the first time they have ever qualified for the U-17 FIFA World Cup.
ON BOARD TO THE #U17FWC ✅
Senegal advance to the 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 semi-finals to secure their place in the U17 @FIFAWorldCup 👏
Congratulations, @Fsfofficielle 🥳 pic.twitter.com/gSKIQfFTRH
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 10, 2023
Senegal scored three goals in seven minutes late in the first half to completely break down a spirited fight from South Africa. Defender Waylon Renecke was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net in the 36th minute as he tried to cut out a headed ball just inside the six yard box.
Three minutes later, South Africa captain Benjamin Wallis, also put the ball into his own net as he tried to clear the ball after the goalkeeper had spilled a free-kick from Amara Diouf. 2-0 to Senegal!!
The Teranga Cubs made it 3-0 in the 43rd minute when Mamadou Sadio scored with a brilliant half volley from the edge of the box after Abdou Aziz Fall had teed up the ball for him. With a 3-0 cushion at halftime and a complete dominance that had seen South Africa fail to get a shot on target, the West Africans had the job half done.
In the second half, they needed just nine minutes to get their fourth. A run by Omar Sall on the left caught the South African backline off balance, with the latter squaring for Diouf to slam home from inside the box. He had initially been flagged offside, but upon review, the VAR gave the goal.
In the 71st minute, Diouf who had enjoyed a brilliant performance capped it off with a brace when he headed home at the back post after a brilliant cross from Ibrahima Diallo found his perfect run.
With a 5-0 cushion, South Africa’s fighting spirit was hugely dented, and Senegal eased through the remaining minutes with utter dominance.
FULL-TIME! ⏰
A 5-star performance from Senegal as they comfortably beat South Africa 🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/0pbrTzQjIw
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 10, 2023
