Senegal reach UFOA-A U20 semi-finals without playing

Senegal have booked a place in the semi-finals of the UFOA-A U20 tournament before playing their next Group B match. The qualification was confirmed after Mauritania and Sierra Leone shared the points, leaving Senegal certain to advance from a section reduced to three teams following Guinea-Bissau’s withdrawal.

Sierra Leone took the lead in the 13th minute through Papay Mansaray, but Mauritania responded shortly before half-time when Imam Dine Sow made it 1-1. Mauritania then missed a chance to move ahead from the penalty spot in the 79th minute, with El Hafidh El Eleyadh failing to convert.

El Hafidh made amends two minutes later by scoring Mauritania’s second goal. Sierra Leone avoided defeat when it levelled in the 87th minute, producing the 2-2 result that settled Senegal’s qualification.

Senegal will still face Sierra Leone in its remaining group fixture, but that match will no longer determine whether the Senegalese side reaches the last four. The draw between their two rivals has already secured their semi-final place, giving Senegal a confirmed route beyond the group stage before completing its programme.