Senegal stamps a sizzling 5-0 win over UAE U-17 in Doha, ending their World Cup run
9 November 2025
Match snapshot
The United Arab Emirates under-17s were overwhelmed 0-5 by Senegal on Sunday in a Group C clash held at Stadium 2 in the Aspire Zone, Doha, as the FIFA U-17 World Cup group stage drew to a close.
Senegal’s goals came at a rapid pace. Malick Sisse converted a penalty in the 14th minute, then Bakary Sonko struck a hat-trick with finishes in the 19th and 41st minutes, and Victor Mendy added a fifth in the 74th.
In the other Group C game, Croatia defeated Costa Rica 3-1 at Stadium 4 in the Aspire Zone, with goals from Krisimir Radosevic, Raul Komar and Tino Kusanovic, while Tiago Cordeiro netted for Costa Rica in the 58th minute.
Senegal finished top of Group C with seven points, while Croatia claimed second place on the same tally with a superior goal difference. Costa Rica took third with one point, and the United Arab Emirates finished fourth, thereby eliminating both UAE and Costa Rica from the tournament at the group stage.
Group results and standings
Openers in Group C saw UAE and Costa Rica draw 1-1, and Croatia and Senegal play to a 0-0 stalemate. In round two, the UAE fell 0-3 to Croatia, while Senegal beat Costa Rica 1-0.
From a UAE perspective, the team started with an intent to attack, hoping a three-goal margin would keep them alive in the competition, but found it difficult to convert chances against a well-organized Senegalese defense and quick counters.
The Senegalese side, known as the Lions of Teranga, began pressing early and benefited from a precise opening goal from the penalty spot, followed by a header and steady finishing that widened the gap before halftime. A late fourth and a fifth on the break sealed the result for Senegal.
From the UAE side
The UAE lineup featured Jassim Abdullah in goal, with a defensive block and midfield trying to press higher up the pitch. UAE made early attempts to attack, but a mix of hurried final passes and a strong Senegalese break limited their scoring opportunities. Senegal made two changes at the start of the second half, while the UAE introduced three substitutions later in the game, but the result was settled well before the final whistle.
The Emirati side attempted to regroup after going down early, but Senegal’s efficiency and discipline punished the lapses in defense. UAE’s last changes did little to alter the outcome, and Doha witnessed a convincing Senegalese performance that ensured a Group C title for the visitors.
Final note: Senegal advance to the knockout rounds, while the UAE bow out after the group phase—lessons learned, memories made, and a reminder that football is a game of moments, some better than others.
Punchline 1: If defense were a sniper, Senegal’s back line just delivered a perfect headshot—goal number five came with surgical precision. Punchline 2: The UAE defense looked like a sandcastle against tidal waves—great to admire, but not built to endure the incoming surf of Senegalese strikes.
