Senegal thrashed hosts Algeria 3-0 to qualify for the first time the quarterfinals of the Total Energies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The West African side become the first team to make the last eight, after taking maximum points in both of their Group A games while hosts Algeria, will now need to win their last group match against Congo to qualify for the quarterfinals automatically.
Captain Amara Diouf scored a brace and registered an assist, with the Senegalese keeping their second consecutive clean sheet.
Senegal broke the deadlock right at the stroke of halftime when Diouf towered for a header at the backpost, connecting to a Lassana Traore corner.
In the second half, Algeria were faster off the blocks, but their hunt for an equalizer suffered a hit on the hour mark when Senegal scored their second through Diouf’s penalty.
The lanky Sall had been brought down by keeper Mastias Hammache as he raced down for a through ball, and Diouf made no mistake with the resultant penalty.
The West Africans dominated proceedings and they sealed the victory with five minutes left, substitute Mamadou Sawane tapping home from close range after being set up by a cutback from his skipper Diouf.
