CAN U20 2025: Central African Republic hold reigning champions Senegal to a draw

Senegal, the reigning U20 AFCON champions, were held to a 1-1 draw by the Central African Republic in their Group C opener on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Suez Stadium.

Senegal stumble out of the blocks against ambitious Central African Republic

The defending champions from Senegal, tipped to reaffirm their continental supremacy, were frustrated by a determined Central African Republic side in the opening matchday of the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt. From the opening whistle, the Young Lions of Teranga showed attacking intent, dominating possession and putting the young Wild Beasts under significant pressure. Yet Central African Republic, far from being intimidated, responded with impressive resilience. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate.

After a tightly contested opening period, Serigne Saliou Dia’s men finally broke the deadlock just after the restart. Set up by Yaya Diémé, Cheikh Tidiane Thiam opened the scoring to give Senegal a deserved lead in the 49th minute.

But that goal didn’t break the Central Africans—if anything, it fired them up. The Wild Beasts of Bas-Oubangui responded with character, capitalizing on a brief Senegalese lapse to draw level. In the 74th minute, Pengazonia found the equalizer for Central African Republic.

Senegal, who kept a flawless defensive record on their victorious 2023 run, saw their unbeaten streak snapped. This 1-1 draw serves as a wake-up call for the Young Lions of Teranga, who remain favorites in the tournament. Their next U20 AFCON 2025 fixture will be against Ghana on May 5, 2025.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.