UFOA-A U17: Senegal beats Guinea (3-0) and reaches the final September 17, 2026

The Cubs left no doubt. This Thursday at the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium, Senegal won 3-0 against Guinea in the semi-final of the UFOA-A U17 2026, thereby validating its qualification for the final and for the next African Cup of Nations in the category.

The nature of the match quickly turned to the advantage of Lamine Sané’s players. After an inconsequential Guinean opportunity in the 5th minute, the Senegalese took control in the 13th: on a free kick perfectly kicked by Maguette Gueye, Moussa Ndiaye headed everyone ahead to open the scoring. A goal which almost echoed the words spoken the day before by the coach at a press conference, emphasizing the depth of his squad.

Guinea tried to react, without ever managing to really worry goalkeeper and captain Assane Sarr. In the second half, Senegal made the break in the 85th minute by Souleymane Commissaire Faye, before Cheikh Thior added a third goal in added time, definitively sealing the victory for the Lionceaux.

With this success, Senegal confirms an almost perfect run in this tournament which it is organizing at home: two big victories in the group stage against Mauritania (4-0) and Sierra Leone (5-0), a goalless draw against Gambia, then this demonstration in the semi-final, without having conceded a single goal so far.

The Cubs also validate their ticket for the next CAN U17, and approach this deadline with the status of reigning African champions, after their continental coronation won earlier this year in Morocco. A double ambition therefore now drives Lamine Sané’s group: to retain the African crown and confirm its regional supremacy. Because Senegal is not a simple contender in this UFOA-A zone: the Lion Cubs are the defending champions of the tournament, winners of the 2025 edition played in Bamako, after having already triumphed in 2024 on their own lands.

The Senegalese will know their opponent in the final at the end of the other semi-final, which pits Gambia against Liberia this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., still at the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium. The two finalists of this clash will also win their ticket for the CAN U17.

See you on Sunday September 20 for the final, as well as for the small final, which will close this qualifying tournament organized in Senegal since September 7.

CG DIOP