Under-17 World Cup: Senegal prepares to face Croatia in its first match! | OneFootball

A difficult start for the Indomitable Lions in the tournament.

Under-17 World Cup: Senegal prepares to face Croatia in its first match!

The global stage for youth football is set to ignite in Qatar this Monday, as the U17 World Cup begins with a compelling clash between Senegal's "Young Lions" and a formidable Croatian side.

Senegal steps onto this world platform for the third time, carrying the weight of past campaigns that ended at the same hurdle: the Round of 16 in both 2019 and 2023. This history adds a layer of ambition and urgency to their opening match. However, their path to Qatar has not been smooth.

Following a quarter-final exit from the U17 Africa Cup of Nations and a pair of preparatory draws against Morocco, the Young Lions are acutely aware that they must summon a new level of sharpness in front of goal and maintain unwavering discipline to advance.

Standing in their way is a Croatian team that carved its path to the tournament as the most impressive runner-up in the European qualifiers. They arrive with a wave of momentum, boasting four victories in their last five outings—a stark contrast to Senegal's recent record of two wins, two draws, and a single defeat.

As the 2:00 PM GMT kick-off approaches in Thohoyandou, the mandate for Pape Ibrahima Faye's Senegalese squad is clear: they must channel a blend of combativeness, razor-sharp focus, and clinical efficiency. Navigating this Croatian trap is essential if they are to launch their World Cup campaign on a positive note and rewrite the narrative of their previous tournament exits.