U-17 World Cup: Senegal coach Faye elated to reach target in Qatar

Senegal U-17 national team coach Papa Ibrahima Faye has revealed happiness after the team finished top of their group at the on-going 2025 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

A Bakary Sonko treble saw the Young Lions of Teranga sink United Arab Emirates 5-0 and advance as group winners. Malick Cisse got the ball rolling with an ice-cool stuttered penalty after Saad Mubarak had wiped out Alwaly Camara.

It was the Sonko show from then on. First, he nodded home from beneath the crossbar, before lashing in his second. Mame Sow then crossed for the number eight to tap in for the match ball. Victor Mendy completed the scoring when he fired into the roof of the net from close range.

‘I’m pleased with their overall attitude’

Speaking after sealing qualification, Faye told FIFA.com: “Before leaving Senegal, we set ourselves two goals: the first was to qualify, and the second was to finish top of our group. Thank God we achieved both.

“I’m pleased with the tactical discipline the young players showed. I’m pleased with their overall attitude, both the substitutes and those who started the game.”

Meanwhile, Tunisia coach Mohamed Amine Naffati remained gracious following their exit at the group stages. Tunisia went out after losing 2-0 against Belgium in their final Group D clash to finish third with three points, while Argentina led the pile with maximum nine points.

“Belgium is a great team. We faced tough opposition, but that’s football. We’ll learn from these experiences for the future. I congratulate the players for their mentality,” said Naffati.

“Despite all the upsets in the game, they remained focused. Without that, we could have conceded a lot more goals.”

Senegal finished top with seven points, the same number of points as second-placed Croatia.

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