U-20 AFCON: Central African Republic battle back for draw with defending champions Senegal

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Defending U-20 Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal were stunned on Friday by unfancied Central African Republic, who came back to draw 1-1 as Group C got underway at the 2025 U-20 AFCON.

Diogene Pengazonia kept his composure to finish in the 74th minute after receiving a perfect pass from Jores Mbaigoto to level the match. The result was deserved for Central African Republic who defended well and showed plenty of resilience to keep themselves in the match.

Senegal were in control for most of the match but lacked the cutting edge and finishing needed to establish a lead. Early in the second half Les Lionceaux finally got the goal they were looking for when Cheikh Thiam headed in from halftime subsitute Yaya Dieme.

However, Central African Republic finished their only shot on target all match when Pengazonia got behind the Senegalese defense to finish. The CAR defense held out well for the draw as Senegal attempted to push furiously for victory.

Senegal next face Ghana in a highly anticipated clash on Monday. Central African Republic can now dream of success in Group C and will be energized for their second group stage duel against DR Congo, also on Monday.