CAN U-20: Senegal outclass Gambia to win their first title

Senegal's Young Teranga Lions were crowned champions of the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after beating neighbors Gambia 2-0 in the final on Saturday.

Striker Sulaymane Faye and midfielder Mamadou Camara's goals at the Cairo International Stadium were enough to secure Senegal the first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Senegal's win over arch-rivals Gambia was a fitting way to end what has been a perfect campaign in Egypt for the young lads.

The West African team qualified for Saturday's final with a 100% record by winning all their games without conceding a goal.

Indeed, the Young Teranga Lions will be happy to have succeeded this season, having been condemned to second place in three previous attempts.

They were beaten by the Flying Eagles of Nigeria in 2015 and were equally unlucky in 2017 and 2019.

Senegal all the way

In what was a remarkable moment for Senegalese football, Malick Daf's side followed in the footsteps of senior Teranga Lions who also conquered the continent for the first time at the AFCON tournament held in Cameroon.

The Senegal National Beach Soccer team and the local national team have also achieved continental glory over the past year.

The final

Young Teranga Lions started on the front foot at Cairo International Stadium with their straight approach, causing Young Scorpions problems at the back.

It didn't take long to break the deadlock after six minutes thanks to Sulaymane Faye's header from a cross into the right channel.

Senegal doubled their lead ten minutes after the restart thanks to RS Berkane midfielder Mamadou Camara.

The imposing Mamadou Camara brought home a corner to beat the helpless Pa Ebou Dampha.

Despite the challenge faced by Young Scorpions of The Gambia, Senegal held on to win their first-ever TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

READ ALSO: AFCON U-20: Nigerian Flying Eagles beat Tunisia to win bronze medal

Having done well to conquer Africa, many will want to see how Senegal fare at the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia later this year.

Gambia, Nigeria and Tunisia are the other three teams flying the African flag at the Youth World Cup.

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