U-17 AFCON: Senegalese Youngster Diouf Shatters Osimhen’s Eight-Year Record

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, May 15, 2023 – Senegal’s Amara Diouf has smashed the eight-year record held by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen after leading his side to their first-ever TotalEnergies Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Algeria.

The 14-year-old Generation Foot Academy prodigy has been named man of the match in three of Senegal's five matches so far at the tournament. He scored a brace in the 5-0 win against South Africa in the Quarterfinals as well as his overall performance in the match.

The Senegalese have now surpassed Osimhen's record of four goals in the U-17 AFCON set in the 2015 edition in Niger Republic after his brace against South Africa. Amara Diouf paid glowing tribute to Nigeria and SSC Napoli star Victor Osimhen after a historic outing at the 2023 U-17 AFCON.

After the match, the youngster said he would love to follow in the footsteps of the Nigeria Super Eagles striker who has become a hero in Naples after an inspirational season with Napoli, with the latter winning the Italian Serie A.

“It is always the right path if you follow the examples set by the best players in the competition,” Amara Diouf told CAF Online. "This is a massive thing for me and I am delighted to break the record. It means a lot to me and hopefully, I can also follow his path of success.”

"I am hugely honoured to be named man of the match and more so for Senegal to win the game and qualify for the World Cup. It is a big achievement for us as players and it motivates us moving forward," noted Diouf.

In 5 games played, Amara Diouf has scored 5 goals and picked up three man-of-the-match awards. He will be key as Senegal faces Morocco at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers on Friday, May 19. Senegal, who are the African champions in the Senior, CHAN, Beach Soccer and Under-20 champions.