2023 U20 AFCON: Samba secures Senegal's semi final, World cup spot

2023 U20 AFCON: Samba secures Senegal’s semi final, World cup spot

An early second-half strike from Samba Diallo this Thursday earned Senegal a 1-0 win over Benin in the quarter-final of the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations and qualification for the World Cup later this year in Indonesia.

Samba Diallo scored the lone goal of the crucial clash six minutes into the second segment as the younger Teranga Lions edged their West African rivals to earn a precious win at the Cairo International stadium which takes them to a fourth FIFA world Cup tournament.

The opening 45 minutes of the clash was relatively quiet as both sides tactical organization made chances few and far between.

Sulaymane Faye and Samba combined so well to get into the Beninese box five minutes before the interval, but the later failed to hit the target with his low range effort from what was the best goal opportunity in the first-half.

The game came to life upon resumption for the second segment as the Teranga Lions dominated the Chetaahs in almost every aspect.

CHAN 2022 sensation was decisive again as Samba turned in a great set-piece ball from the Generation Foot midfielder to put Malik Daf’s side ahead in the 51st minute.

Diallo was close to doubling Senegal’s lead in the 67th minute but his effort that had already beaten the keeper came off the woodwork.

Senegal forced the Rahman Karim on goal for Benin to make a number of interventions in the final 20 minutes.

Benin could have level in the final minutes, but substitute Stephane Vignigbe put his header Landing Badji’s goal.

The game finished on a 1-0 score in favor of Senegal who secure a semi-final fixture against the winner of the second quarter-final game pitting Nigeria against Uganda U20.

Semi is thus one of four nations to represent the continent at the FIFA World Cup later this year in Indonesia.

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