In a group which performed very well and perfectly led by Pape Ibrahima Faye, several Cubs shined the spotlight on them during the UFOA/A U17 Tournament and undoubtedly scored points on the books of the many recruiters present in the stands All throughout the competition.
They avenged their “elders” Amara Diouf, Serigne Fallou Diouf, Issa Touré, Serigne Diouf… This Monday, the Lion Cubs won the final of the UFOA/A U17 Tournament by beating Mali, at the end of an anthology match which was finally decided on penalties. Thus, they took their revenge against the same nation which had beaten them at the same stage in 2022. To do this, the players of Pape Ibrahima Faye were able to count on several elements which rose to the occasion, like by El Hadji Ibrahima Sow, Mouhamed Dabo and even Etienne Mendy.
Vincent Gomis rectified the situation
“All we had to worry about today was because his first passes didn’t come, even though they should have come from him. He was hesitant. You will see (…) We have another goalkeeper who plays well with his feet.” Pape Ibrahima Faye minced no words when discussing the performance of his starting goalkeeper during the first match of the Tournament. Because yes, Vincent Gomis did not completely provide security on his line against Liberia, notably at fault on the only goal conceded at the end of the match. But if it was really to pique his pride rather than considering a “sanction” which would have been to send him to the bench, suffice to say that the coach succeeded.
Aside from the doubts against the Liberians, Gomis, a resident of the Génération Foot Academy, really gained momentum over the course of the meetings and fully entered his competition. Against Gambia, even if he was rarely called upon dangerously, he exuded a lot of serenity in his interventions and corrected his passes. In the semi-final against Guinea-Bissau, he stopped the first shot on goal for Guinea-Bissau to give voice to his partners who ended up winning the session. Impossible to blame him much for the three goals conceded in the final against Mali. And, obviously, he had his influence on the penalty missed by Thiemoko Berthé on penalties.
The rock EL HADJI MALICK CISSE
In front of him, Vincent Gomis did not have a very airtight defense, but it would certainly have been more complicated if El Hadj Malick Cissé was not present. One of the only two outfield players on the Senegalese side, with left back Lamine Mbengue, having played every minute in the Tournament, the resident of Sahel FC in Dakar has established himself like a real rock in the Senegalese central hinge. The imposing central defender, who started the competition with Ibrahima Aidara before finishing it alongside Madick Ndiaye, is the pillar of this U17 selection. Serene and very comfortable with the ball at his feet to restart, he reassured his teammates throughout the competition. Scorer from the penalty spot against Gambia, he did not miss his attempts on penalties against Guinea-Bissau and Mali, he who was involved in Etienne Mendy’s acrobatic return against the Aiglons.
EL HADJI IBRAHIMA SOW, the heart of the team
The only player from the Dakar Sacré-Cœur to appear in the Cubs group, El Hadji Ibrahima Sow stood out throughout this Tournament, of which he is undoubtedly one of the very best players. Starting in the double pivot with Mouhamed Dabo, he displayed all his qualities from the start. Aligned from the start in all matches, he had already scored against Liberia. Neither a scorer nor a passer against the Gambia, he still shined in the midfield and, as throughout the competition, even if he sometimes stuck his tongue out in the matches played more in the afternoon, as against Guinea-Bissau, he stood out for his impressive ability to impose himself in tackles and recover very good balls, despite his small size. When he takes the ball, he advances at full speed towards the opposing defense or manages to make very good shifts. A true metronome for the Lion Cubs during the Tournament, “Bou Khess”, number 10 flocked to the back, was one of those who advanced the most with the ball, offering space to his team to vary the game.
MOUHAMED DABO omnipresent
Like his midfield friend, Mouhamed Dabo succeeded in his Tournament. Promoted to captain in the second match, in the absence of Ibrahima Sory Sow and Ibrahima Aidara, he established himself as a boss. Formidable in the opponent’s second half, he scored the first Senegalese goal in the competition, against Liberia. Scorer after just nine seconds of play against Gambia, he also won a penalty in the same match. Strong in duels, well equipped technically, the resident of Sahel FC of Dakar showed himself comfortable with the ball to constantly participate in the team’s offensive movements. A player with a lot of character who was very influential in recoveries and prolific offensively.
ETIENNE MENDY twirling
Substitute during the first match, the Diambars player took advantage of El Hadji Malick Lo’s up-and-down performance against Liberia to earn a starting place for the remainder of the Tournament. A winning choice on the part of his coach, as Mendy was so brilliant. A decisive passer on Senegal’s first goal against Gambia, he was one of the main instigators of Senegal’s best actions against Guinea-Bissau. But it was especially in the final that Etienne Mendy had the most fun in this UFOA/A U17 Tournament. Sharp on his crosses, his speed will have been a good point of support for his team. Decisive passer for Yamar Ndiaye in reducing the score, he then made the 2-2 with a nice acrobatic return. Essential.
Hats off to EL HADJI YAMAR NDIAYE and others
Not successful in the first match, which he started as a starter, Yamar did not perform poorly in this Tournament and his performance in the final proves that he well and truly deserved his place in the group. Coming into play from the restart, he dynamited the Senegalese attack and moved the Malian defense. He quickly scored a double and greatly enabled Senegal to win on penalties. Although he lost his starting place after the first match, he ultimately responded very well. Hats off to him as well as to a player like Sidy Barhama Ndiaye, absent in the final due to injury but very impactful during the first three matches. Hats off also to team captain Ibrahima Sory Sow, diminished by injury but often decisive off the bench, resulting in his two assists and two converted shots on goal. Lamine Mbengue, Hyppolite Ndour, Youssou Mané, El Hadji Malick Lo also played their part in a perfectly well-led group led by Pape Ibrahima Faye, a lover of tactics.
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