friendlies: Senegal and Morocco share the spoils in goalless U17 encounter in thiès

Senegal’s U17 side were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco in their first friendly clash at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès on Thursday, as both teams tested their strengths in a tightly contested encounter.

The match, which marked the opening leg of a two-game friendly series, offered a competitive display of youth football from two of Africa’s most promising academies.

Despite creating several opportunities, neither side managed to break the deadlock after 90 minutes of intense play.

Senegal, cheered on by a lively home crowd, began with a high press and tried to impose their rhythm early in the game.

Their forwards showed pace and energy but struggled to convert chances in the final third.

Morocco, on the other hand, remained compact in defence and relied on quick transitions to threaten the hosts on the counterattack.

As the first half wore on, the battle in midfield became increasingly physical, with both teams looking to dominate possession.

The Lionceaux managed to carve out a few promising openings from set-pieces, but Morocco’s goalkeeper stood firm to deny any breakthrough.

In the second half, both coaches made several substitutions in search of fresh ideas.

The changes injected pace into the game, yet finishing remained the biggest challenge for both sides.

Senegal came closest to scoring when a low drive from the edge of the box narrowly missed the post, while Morocco nearly capitalised on a defensive lapse late on, only for their effort to be smothered by the Senegalese keeper.

Although neither team found the back of the net, the encounter provided valuable lessons and experience for the young players, many of whom are eyeing spots in future continental competitions.

The disciplined defensive displays and glimpses of creativity on both ends highlighted the quality and potential of the next generation.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday for the second and final leg of their friendly series, which will once more take place in Thiès.

Both sides will be looking to fine-tune their tactics and, perhaps, find the decisive edge that was missing in this opening match.

For now, Senegal and Morocco leave the pitch level — a fair reflection of a game defined by determination, structure, and two defences unwilling to yield.