Hosts Egypt crashed out of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the group stage on Saturday after they were torn apart 4-0 by ruthless Senegal.
Senegal had already qualified for the quarter-finals before facing the Young Pharaohs in their final Group A fixture at the Cairo International Stadium.
The match came to life in the second half following a close tactical first period which failed to produce a goal.
Sulaymane Faye’s effort was the only real opportunity in the opening half.
Senegal made few changes to their starting line-up with team captain Samba Diallo starting on the bench while Mame Faye and Djibril Diarra were given a starting berth.
The changes did not affect the Young Lions of Teranga from enjoying possession and chances in the Egyptian capital.
The Egyptians were more enterprising after the restart as they tried to force Senegal behind.
Khaled Awad came close for the hosts but Senegal goalkeeper Landing Badji was at alert.
The West Africans took control and went ahead through promising talent Pape Diop’s diving header to beat the goalkeeper on the hour mark.
Substitute Ibou Sané doubled the Teranga Lions’ lead when he profited from a mistake by Ahmed Reda in the Egyptian defence to slot home after 69 minutes.
The in-form Diop scored twice in three minutes to complete his hat-trick and give Senegal a deserved 4-0 lead.
The Belgium-based forward showed composure and class in his finishing to put the match to bed.
The result eliminated Egypt and Mozambique who lost 2-0 to Nigeria in Ismailia.
The two teams finished with a solitary point while Senegal topped the group with nine points and Nigeria were second with six points.
(NAN)
