UFOA-A U17: Senegal-Guinea and Gambia-Sierra Leone in the semifinals

Senegal, an almost perfect group stage

Playing at home, the Lionceaux went through the group stage with remarkable efficiency. After dominating Mauritania (4-0) and then Sierra Leone (5-0), Lamine Sané’s protégés concluded their run with a goalless draw (0-0) against Gambia, in a match to decide the top spot in Group A. With seven points, Senegal finished first ahead of the Baby Scorpions thanks to a better goal difference. The statistical record for the African champions is particularly impressive: nine goals scored and none conceded in three matches. Cheikh Oumar Sy especially made his mark with four goals in the first two matchdays, while Souleymane Commissaire Faye is also among the Senegalese scorers. This offensive and defensive solidity puts the Lionceaux in a favorable position ahead of their decisive match against Guinea. However, the last group match also showed that qualification will not be a mere formality. Gambia delivered an impressive performance against Senegal, especially in the first half, before the Lionceaux gradually regained control after halftime. The 0-0 ultimately secured Senegal’s first place.

Guinea, an opponent coming back at the best moment

Senegal face a Guinean team that had to wait until the last matchday to clinch qualification. Defeated by Liberia (1-2) in their first outing, the Syli cadet had to beat Mali to continue their journey. They achieved their mission by coming from behind to defeat the Aiglons (2-1). Salifou Camara equalized from a free kick before Alpha Camara secured the lead for his team in the second half. Guinea thus finished second in Group B with three points, behind Liberia. Now, they meet Senegal in a high-stakes match: a spot in the final and, above all, qualification for the next U17 AFCON. For the Guineans, this semifinal is the final hurdle before the continental showdown in Morocco. This Guinean qualification developed in a Group B strongly disrupted by the disqualification of Guinea-Bissau. The Bissau-Guinean team was excluded from the competition following MRI tests for age-checking players. The group was then reduced to three teams, with Mali, Liberia, and Guinea. This situation also made Mali’s elimination particularly significant. Runners-up in the previous edition behind Senegal, the Aiglons will not compete in the next U17 AFCON. After their draw against Liberia (1-1), they were beaten by Guinea (1-2), a defeat that definitively knocked them out of the race.

Gambia–Sierra Leone, the other clash in the final four

The other semifinal will pit two teams that know each other well. Gambia finished second in Group A with seven points, after two victories against Sierra Leone (4-1) and Mauritania (3-1), before drawing with Senegal. The Baby Scorpions also finished the group without a defeat and have scored seven goals with only two conceded before their meeting with Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone, on its part, booked its place in the last four at the end of the group stage. Their journey was notably marked by losses to Gambia (1-4) and Senegal (0-5), but they still have the chance to grab one of the two qualifying spots for the AFCON. On Thursday, both semifinals will thus have the same stakes: a place in the final and a ticket for the U17 AFCON 2027. For Senegal, the goal is also to continue a particularly impressive run in this competition. The Lionceaux won the last two editions of the UFOA-A tournament, in 2024 and then in 2025, before becoming African champions last June. At Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal will have the chance to take another step toward defending their regional title. But up against a Guinea team that has survived a tumultuous Group B and just overturned Mali, the semifinal promises to be a much tougher contest than the Lionceaux’ first two outings.

Senegal – Guinea, Thursday at 4 pm. Gambia – Sierra Leone, Thursday at 7 pm. The final is scheduled for Sunday, September 20.