AFCON U-20: Senegal's Young Teranga Lions win first title

On Saturday, the Young Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated their rivals Gambia 2-0 in Cairo, securing their first-ever TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

Forward Sulaymane Faye and midfielder Mamadou Camara scored the goals that led to Senegal's triumph.

The team had a perfect record, winning all their matches without conceding a goal to qualify for the final.

This was their fourth TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON final, having been runners-up in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Malick Daf's side has joined the ranks of the senior Teranga Lions, the Beach Soccer national team, and the home-based national team in achieving continental glory over the past year.

The Young Teranga Lions began the match better, and their direct approach created issues for the Young Scorpions at the back.

After six minutes, they broke the deadlock when Sulaymane Faye headed the ball into an unguarded goal from Pape Diallo's cross down the right channel.

The Young Scorpions struggled to deal with the Senegalese team's offense, but they kept possession with Alieu Gibba and Mahmud Bajo after the early setback.

Lamine Camara fired a shot from a distance, which Pa Ebou Dampha saved, but Sulaymane Faye couldn't score from the rebound.

The Young Scorpions came out stronger in the second half, but Senegal dominated possession.

Ten minutes after the restart, Mamadou Camara of RS Berkane doubled Senegal's lead by heading in a corner.

The Gambian coach, Abdoulie Bojang, made a double substitution, bringing in Mansour Mbye and Muhamed Sawaneh for Bailo Bah and Modou Marong, to strengthen their ineffective attack.

Senegal's captain, Samba Diallo, nearly extended their lead twice, but he missed a half-volley and blocked Alagie Saine's clearance towards the Gambian goal. In stoppage time, substitute Mouhamed Gueye hit the post with a powerful shot, but Senegal held on to win their first-ever TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.