Senegal faced Ivory Coast in a decisive match for qualifying for the 2025 U17 Women’s World Cup. After a balanced first leg (1-1), the Lioncelles were keen to win their ticket.
While the score was 2-2 at the very end of the match, synonymous with elimination for Senegal, an incredible twist occurred. The Senegalese number 11 fired a powerful shot which hit the crossbar before rebounding clearly behind the goal line. An obvious goal which would have qualified the Lioncelles for the rest of the competition. However, to everyone’s surprise, the referee refused to validate this decisive goal.
This controversial decision cost the Senegalese players qualification, eliminated on the away goals rule. The Lioncelles leave the competition with a bitter taste, while this moment could have been a historic turning point for Senegalese women’s football.
