Senegal became the first side to book their spot in the quarterfinals of the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt after seeing off Mozambique 3-0 in their second match in Group A to continue their perfect start.The Young Lions of Teranga had beaten Nigeria by a solitary goal in their opening match earlier, and they dismantled Mozambique in style to book their slot in the last four under the watch of the Men’s Senior Team coach Aliou Cisse.Pape Diallo scored a brace, one goal in either half, with Pape Diop grabbing the other goal in the match to see the match end 3-0 in favor of Senegal.🇸🇳 SENEGAL ➡️ Quarter-finals 👏 The Lions of Teranga’s advance to the knockout stages 🦁#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | @fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/SEZG3jlQWE— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 22, 2023 The win pushed the Malick Daf charges closer to lifting a title they have come very close to winning in three instances, finishing second in 2015, 2017, and 2019.The match seemed like it was headed for a draw at the break until Diallo happened in the second minute of the stoppage time in the first half. Mozambique goalkeeper Fazito parried the ball from an attack from the left side but his effort was not enough as it fell right into the path of Diallo who tapped the ball into the net.##NAJAVA_MECA_7041308##On resumption, Mozambique made two changes as Angelo Cantolo and Edilson Nhabanga came on for Edson Mucuana and Calilo Traore in an attempt to turn around the fortunes.However, it was Senegal who scored again when Diop slotted the ball home nine minutes into the second half. Donning sadio Mane’s hairstyle as well as his favorite number 10 shirt, Samba Diallo matched the hype. His attempt was denied by the post but the ball only fell for Diop who scored the second.Engin Firat set to debut new foreign recruits for Harambee StarsThe turnaround was made tougher for Mozambique when Souleymane Basse set up Diallo for the third goal, his second for the match with five minutes left to play. Basse floated in a perfect cross that Diallo headed home to seal the win.Senegal face Egypt next in their last group match on Saturday while Mozambique have a date with seven-times champions Nigeria.
