Senegal Storms to 4-0 Win over DR Congo in WAFCON Group A Opener

Senegal’s players celebrate one of their four first-half goals. The match was played at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Morocco. Senegal then took control of their WAFCON 2024 opener with a commanding 4-0 victory. All four goals came in the first half (two each by forwards Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye). The team wasted no time asserting their dominance, building on momentum from a quarter-final run at the previous WAFCON in 2022.

First Half Fireworks

Senegal took the game by storm early on and netted all four goals before halftime. The scoring unfolded as follows:

• 5′: Mama Diop – Senegal opened the scoring when Mama Diop latched onto a through-ball from Méta Kandé and rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

• 13′: Nguenar Ndiaye – Shortly after, keeper Adji Ndiaye’s long pass found Ndiaye, who coolly finished from close range to double the lead.

• 22′: Mama Diop – Diop scored again, slotting a composed finish into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

• 40′: Nguenar Ndiaye – Just before halftime, Ndiaye rose unmarked to head home a cross from Hapsatou Diallo, completing her brace and sealing a 4-0 half-time lead.

With a four-goal lead at the break, Senegal’s attackers had overwhelmed the Congolese defense. The early barrage left DR Congo shell-shocked, as Senegal had raced to a 4-0 advantage by the 40th minute.

Second Half Control

In the second half, DR Congo regrouped and created a few chances, but Senegal’s defense and goalkeeper held firm. Flavine Mawete of DR Congo even struck the woodwork in one attack, and Senegal made a series of defensive saves, but the Leopardesses (DR Congo’s team) could not find the net. Senegal coach Mame Moussa Cissé rotated several players after halftime and the Lionesses of Teranga comfortably managed the game. No further goals were scored, and Senegal maintained their clean sheet to secure the 4-0 final result.

Group Implications

The emphatic win puts Senegal top of Group A after the first round of matches. They lead the standings ahead of hosts Morocco and Zambia (who drew 2-2 in the other group game). For DR Congo, making their first WAFCON appearance in 12 years, the defeat is a harsh lesson. The Leopardesses now face a must-win situation in their next match if they are to stay in contention for the knockout stage.

Key Takeaways

1. Fast start: Senegal scored all four goals in the first half, with Mama Diop (5′, 22′) and Nguenar Ndiaye (13′, 40′) each recording a brace.

2. Early dominance: The four-goal lead by halftime highlights Senegal’s attacking dominance in the opening period.

3. Standings impact: Senegal leads Group A with two points, while DR Congo must win their next game to keep tournament hopes alive.