The Young Teranga Lions of Senegal celebrated a historic victory on Saturday, defeating their Gambian rivals 2‑0 to claim their first Under‑20 Africa Cup of Nations title at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. Goals from forward Sulaymane Faye and midfielder Mamadou Camara were enough to secure the win. Senegal entered the final with a perfect record, having won all their matches without conceding a goal.
This was Senegal’s fourth appearance in an Under‑20 AFCON final, after finishing runners‑up in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Coach Malick Daf’s side followed in the footsteps of the senior Teranga Lions, the beach‑soccer national team and the home‑based national team, all of whom achieved continental glory last year.
Senegal started strongly, using a direct approach that troubled the Young Scorpions’ defence. Six minutes in, Sulaymane Faye headed home a cross from the right channel delivered by Pape Diallo, breaking the deadlock. The Gambians pressed for a response but could not breach Senegal’s back line. Ten minutes after the restart, midfielder Mamadou Camara doubled the lead by heading in from a corner, leaving goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha helpless.
In the second half, Senegal continued to dominate possession, with Lamine Camara and Mamadou Camara orchestrating play for Daf’s side. Gambia’s coach Abdoulie Bojang made a double substitution, bringing on Mansour Mbye and Muhamed Sawaneh for Bailo Bah and Modou Marong, but the changes failed to spark the Young Scorpions’ attack. Senegal captain Samba Diallo came close to adding a third goal, and substitute Mouhamed Gueye struck the post with a powerful effort in stoppage time.
In the third‑place match, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles thrashed Tunisia’s Young Carthage 4‑0. The four semi‑finalists will represent Africa at the FIFA Under‑20 World Cup in Indonesia, scheduled for 20 May to 11 June.
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