AFCONU17: Senegal Edge Algeria to Finish Top as Both Teams Reach Quarter-Finals
Senegal came from behind to defeat Algeria 2-1 in a thrilling U-17 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage clash, sealing top spot in the group and confirming their place in the quarter-finals as both nations secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Algeria made a dream start to the encounter, shocking the Young Lions of Teranga with an early breakthrough in the fifth minute.
Ilyes Mekkaoui capitalised on a lively opening spell to put the young Fennecs ahead, giving the North Africans confidence as they pressed Senegal with energy and intensity.
However, Senegal responded quickly and began to assert their dominance.
Their equaliser arrived in the 15th minute through Cheikh Dieng, whose composed finish restored parity and settled the West Africans after Algeria’s bright start.
The momentum gradually shifted in Senegal’s favour as they controlled more possession and created better chances.
Just before the halftime whistle, Souleymane Faye completed the comeback by finding the net in the 43rd minute to hand Senegal a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Algeria returned for the second half determined to salvage a result and pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Despite several attacking moves, Senegal’s defence remained organised and disciplined, successfully protecting their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory ensured Senegal finished the group stage as leaders with six points, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites and booking a place in the quarter-finals.
Although Algeria fell short on the night, the result was still enough to see them progress.
The young Fennecs ended the group stage level on four points with Ghana, but secured second place thanks to a superior goal difference.
As a result, Algeria joined Senegal in advancing to the quarter-finals, with both teams also clinching qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
