SENEGAL became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria tonight after a 5-0 thrashing of South Africa in Algiers.
The West Africans are also the first team from the continental competition to earn a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup billed for later in the year in a yet-to-be-named country following the withdrawal of Peru as hosts.
Senegal will face the winners of tomorrow’s quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Burkina Faso in the semi-finals on Sunday.
South Africa gifted Senegal two own goals and Mamadou Sadio struck the third as they took a 3-0 lead into half-time.
Amarou Diouf then netted twice after the break to complete the big win and send South Africa packing.
While Senegal had shown their intent in the run-up to the quarter-finals by winning all their three group games, South Africa lost to Morocco and Nigeria in Group B and squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Senegal are on a mission to make a clean sweep of all the African titles in men’s football.
They are currently the holders of the senior AFCON, African Nations Championship (CHAN), U-20 AFCON and Beach Soccer AFCON titles, an unprecedented feat.
