Senegal learn U20 regional tournament group opponents

Senegal’s bid to retain the UFOA-A U20 title will begin in Group B, where the defending champions have been drawn with Mauritania, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau. The draw has established the opponents for Malick Daf’s team as it prepares to return to the regional competition.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Mali from October 15 to 31. Eight national teams will compete, divided into two groups of four. Senegal was placed in Group B as a seeded team after winning the last edition in Liberia in 2024. Host nation Mali is the seeded team in Group A, alongside Guinea, Liberia and Gambia.

Senegal is continuing its build-up before the tournament with a pair of friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The meetings are set for October 1 and 4 at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium. They will form part of the team’s preparation before the squad travels to Mali for the group stage.

The draw was held in Mali on October 1, giving all eight teams their route into the competition. Senegal now knows the three opponents standing between it and progress from Group B, while its status as defending champion adds significance to the campaign. The Lionceaux will enter the tournament after their 2024 success and with the opportunity to defend the regional title under Daf.