Senegal continue domination of Africa, defeat Gambia to emerge youth champions

Senegal's U-20 side have defeated The Gambia's U-20 2-0 in the final to emerge as champions of the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

Goals from Soulayemane Faye and Mamadou Camara in either half were enough to give the Cubs their first-ever title on four attempts.

The encounter at the Cairo International Stadium was the fourth time Senegal had played in a U-20 final but became the first, they won having previously finished as runner-ups in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Senegal - the more experienced side in the U-20 finals - showed the Gambia why they were the better side at this level, taking the lead after just six minutes of play.

Souleymane Faye: who had scored the opening goal of the tournament, connected to Amidou Diop's cross and put his header beyond the goalkeeper's reach to put Senegal in front.

The contest between Senegal and the 2021 third-placed finishers saw more flashes of brilliance in the first half, however, it was Senegal to enjoy a one-goal lead going into the halfway stage.

A return to action saw a nearly similar start for Senegal as Mamadou Camara doubled the Teranga Cubs’ lead with yet another header, having been assisted this time, by Faye.

The Gambia's coach Abdoulue Bojang then pulled up a couple of substitutions including the introduction of Bayern Munich's Mamin Sanyang and Slavia Prague's Ebriha Singateh but it meant nothing to the scoreline.

The Cubs eventually did hold on for a historic victory, adding to an impressive run of Senegal winning major titles in Africa.

As it stands, the West African nations are champions of Africa at the senior level, in Beach Soccer, at the CHAN level and at the U-20 football level.