Hosts Egypt booted out of the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage after they were torn apart by ruthless Senegal 4-0 on Saturday.
Senegal had already qualified for the quarter finals before facing Mahmoud Gaber’s Young Pharaohs in the final Group A fixture at the Cairo International Stadium.
The match came to life in the second half following a close tactical first period which failed to produce a goal with Sulaymane Faye’s effort the only real opportunity in the opening half.
Malick Daf made few changes to his starting lineup with captain Samba Diallo starting on the bench while Mame Faye and Djibril Diarra were given a starting berth.
The changes didn’t affect the Young Teranga Lions from enjoying possession and chances in the Egyptian capital.
The Egyptians were more enterprising after the restart as they tried to force Senegal behind. Khaled Awad came close for the hosts but Senegal goalkeeper Landing Badji was on alert.
The West Africans took control and went ahead through promising talent Pape Diop’s diving header to beat the keeper on the hour mark.
Substitute Ibou Sané doubled the Teranga Lions’ lead when he profited from a mistake by Ahmed Reda in the Egyptian defense to slot home on 69 minutes.
The in-form Pape Diop scored twice in three minutes to complete his hat trick and give Senegal a deserved 4-0 lead.
The Belgium based forward showed composure and class in his finishing to put the match to bed.
The result eliminated Egypt and Mozambique who lost 2-0 to Nigeria in Ismailia.
The two teams finished with a solitary point while Senegal topped the group with 9 points and Nigeria in second with 6 points.
By Brian Mboh