Featured image: zoneouesta.org (2022 WAFU Zone ‘A’ U15 Tournament)

On Aug. 18, the World African Football Union (WAFU) Zone ‘A’ Under-15 tournament began in Monrovia, Liberia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) sports complex. Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sierra Leone were the four competing nations.

The four-day event was held in Liberia after Sierra Leone requested a change of venue.

Opening day results

Opening day started at 8 a.m. GMT between Liberia and Senegal; Sierra Leone and Mauritania followed.

After 65 minutes of playing on the pitch, the matchup between Liberia and Senegal ended with a 3-3 draw. Senegal took an early 2-0 lead before Liberia scored to end the first half with 2-1. The second half brought the game to 3-2. Fortunately, Lee Zeogar, substitute for Liberia, scored in the final minute.

 

 

Mauritania lost 6-0 to Sierra Leone in their opening match. Following the loss, Mauritania withdrew from the championship tournament to prevent injuries and maintain the safety of their players. The Mauritania team released a statement claiming age cheating and unfair competition.

“We have been reported by many observers in Ain Venue and elsewhere, that their available data confirms that the ages of some of the teams participating on the field are very far away What’s the legal age to participate in This is the championship,” a translated statement posted to the Mauritania Football Federations’ Facebook page read.

Photo credit: Fédération de Football de la Mauritanie Facebook (Mauritania U15 boys team).
Photo credit: Fédération de Football de la Mauritanie Facebook (Sierra Leone U15 boys team).

Liberia advanced to take on the  WAFU Zone ‘A’ U15 defending champion, Senegal. 

Day 4: Senegal defends title

In the final game, Senegal successfully defended the title against Liberia today at ATS. Even after all of Liberia’s efforts, the match ended three-nil.

 

Senegal players received all of the awards from the WAFU U15 Tournament. The top scorer was  Souleymane Diop. Mohamad Diallo received Best Goalkeeper. The man of the match was Yaya Dimie and the MVP went to Mamie Mody Sy.

While the under-15 boys participated in the WAFU Zone ‘A’ tournament, the Women’s Champions League qualifiers also took place in Liberia. Determine Girls FC won the WAFU Women’s Champions League qualifier match against Senegal’s USPA.