International, Olympic : Sané on the score sheet

For the second game day in the groups for the U21 African Championship, the Morocco of Yacine Qasmi and the Senegal of Abdoulaye Sané have both been rewarded with victories.

On Wednesday, Morocco beat their Algerian neighbours (1-0) thanks to a goal by Adnane Tighadouini (Vitesse Arnhem) at the hour. Starting at centre-forward, Qasmi had just been replaced by the goal scorer after coming off injured. Thanks to this second victory, Morocco is in ideal position to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition.

A few hours later, Senegal went back to winning ways after an initial defeat to Algeria – by beating Nigeria (2-1). The Senegal team made the difference just before the interval, scoring two goals by Mbodj (34’) and Abdoulaye Sané (43’). The young Rennes striker, currently the best goal scorer with the Reserve in CFA2, is therefore confirming his current good form. Nigeria pulled one goal back in the second half, but failed to equalise.

Next Saturday, the game between Morocco and Senegal should be decisive. To clinch their qualification, the Moroccan will only need a draw, which would also guarantee them to finish top of the group. Meanwhile, Senegal will have to win the game in order to avoid depending on the result of the other game between Algeria and Nigeria.
Only the first two places in the groups guarantee qualification for the semi-finals, and the first three nations will be awarded qualification to the Olympic Games, next year in London.