Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s record for the most goals scored at the U-17 AFCON was finally broken by Amara Diouf.
The Senegal skipper scored a brace against South Africa in the quarter-finals on Wednesday and took his tally to five. The Terenga Cubs beat South Africa 5-nil to progress to the semifinals.
Before Diouf’s exploits, the record number of goals scored by a single player was four goals. Osimhen set that record at the 2015 tournament in Niger.
The Generation Foot Academy youngster has two more games to play and add to his personal scoring tally.
Diouf is eager to follow in the footsteps of the scorching-hot Napoli star and is thrilled to break the record.
“It is always the right path if you follow the examples set by the best players in the competition,” Diouf said. “This is a massive thing for me and I am really delighted to break the record. It means a lot to me and hopefully, I can also follow his path of success.”
Diouf headed for player of the tournament award
The 5-0 win over South Africa ensured Senegal qualified for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup to be played later this year.
Diouf, also bagged the man of the Match award, getting three in four of Senegal’s matches so far at the U-17 AFCON.
He described Senegal’s qualification for the World Cup as a big achievement for the country and the players.
“I am hugely honored 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,” he stated.
Senegal will now face Burkina Faso who knocked out Nigeria after a 1-2 victory in the semi-final.
The other semifinal match will Mali’s clash with Morocco for a place in the final.