… Senegal are inaugural WAFU A U20 Women’s Cup Champions.
Senegal U20 women’s national team clinched the first ever 2023 WAFU-A U20 Women’s Cup title following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over hosts Sierra Leone at the Southern Arena in Bo City on Monday.
The high-profile encounter, which served as the third and final round of matches of the maiden age-grade women’s championship in the region, witnessed a convincing display from the Senegalese to silence the home fans, CAFonline.com reports.
Senegal went into the title-deciding match of the four-nation competition with high hopes against the hosts, having a secured 4-0 win over Guinea Bissau and a 3-1 victory over Guinea.
On the other hand, Sierra Leone needed an outright win to be crowned champions, following a 1-1 draw with Guinea before a recent 2-1 victory over Guinea Bissau to snatch the coveted trophy.
The Senegalese went ahead first inside the opening 60 seconds of the tie through taliswoman Hapsatou Diallo. 18 minutes later, Coumba Sylla Mbodji doubled the advantage to hand the visitors a two-goal at the break.
After the resumption, Sierra Leone gave their best but could not find a breakthrough until the 83rd minute when Sagidatou Diallo compounded the woes of the hosts to seal the coveted crown.
Senegal’s Hapsatou Diallo won the Player of the Match award after her early opener stirred the Terranga Lionesses to success.
Meanwhile, Guinea defeated Guinea Bissau 2-0 to end their campaign on a winning note and emerged as vice-champions.
After a barren first half, Nana Camara gave the Guineans the long-sought lead in the 80th minute before Aminita Bangoura completed the win with her last-gasp finish in additional time.
Guinea’s Nana Camara was named the Woman-of-the-Match after inspiring the Guineans to win over Guinea Bissau.
On individual awards, Hapsatou Diallo of Senegal claimed a double prize as she won the Best Player of the Tournament and Highest goal scorer gong with five goals in three matches.
Senegal’s Khady Faye was also named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, having conceded only one goal in three games, while hosts Sierra Leone got the Fair Play award.
The WAFU Zone A U20 Women’s Cup is a women’s association football competition contested by the national teams of Zone A West African Football Union.
The first edition kicked off May 24, 2023, in Bo with four West African teams playing in the tournament; Senegal as the winner, Guinea as the runner-up, Sierra Leone in third place, and Guinea-Bissau in fourth place.
