In a group containing Brazil and Italy, Nigeria have already booked their place in the last 16 of the FIFA U20 World Cup after just two matchdays. Gambia achieved a similar feat with a fine win over France. Tunisia won 3-0 on Matchday 2 to bounce back from their opening defeat. Senegal, meanwhile, scored their first goal of the tournament and are still in with a shout of qualifying.
Nigeria and Gambia are sensational
After just two days at the U20 World Cup, Nigeria and Gambia have already qualified for the Round of 16. Both teams won their first two matches, in pools D and F respectively. On Matchday 2, the Flying Eagles earned themselves a prestigious 2-0 win over Italy on Wednesday May 24, thanks to goals from Salim Fago Lawal (61st) and Jude Sunday (90+1). With 6 points from two games, they are now in the driving seat ahead of their clash with Brazil (2nd, 3 pts) on Matchday 3.
Gambia achieved the feat of beating France 2-1 on Thursday, May 25. After Tanguy Zoukrou opened the scoring with an own goal (13th), the Gambians conceded an equalizer from Odobert (61st). However, the Young Scorpions didn't linger for long, regaining the lead with a fine strike from Mamin Sanyang (68th). With 6 pts, the young Gambians, leaders of Group F, have qualified for the Round of 16 and equalled their best performance at a U20 World Cup since 2007.
🎥 La #Gambie 🇬🇲 a frappé fort en infligeant à l'@equipedefrance 🇫🇷 sa deuxième défaite du tournoi en s'imposant 2⃣-1⃣ !
Vous avez loupé ce match haletant ? Pas de panique, nous vous proposons le résumé des temps forts !— Coupe du Monde 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_fr) May 25, 2023
Tunisia's thunderous awakening
After losing 1-0 to England in Pool E on Matchday 1, Tunisia bounced back on Matchday 2 with a 3-0 victory over Iraq. Youssef Snana (55th), Chaïm El Djebali (57th) and Mahmoud Ghorbel (86th, sp) were the Tunisian scorers. Third in their group with 3 points behind England (6 pts) and Uruguay (3 pts), the Aiglons de Carthage are still alive. In this 24-team U20 World Cup (6 groups of 4), the top two teams in each group qualify for the Round of 8, as do the 4 best third-placed teams.
Senegal, a goal for hope
A state of affairs that could well benefit Senegal. The reigning African champions keep their chances intact after Matchday 2. The Lion Cubs snatched a 1-1 draw against Israel when Papa Demba Diop equalised in the 80th minute with a neat downward header. A welcome boost after the 1-0 defeat by Japan. Last in Pool C with 1 point, level with Israel but behind Colombia (6 pts) and Japan (3 pts), Malick Daf's men will need to be more realistic. In two games, they took 36 shots on target, with 12 on target, and scored just one goal. A meagre ratio which they will need to improve against Colombia on Saturday May 27 if they are to catch the Round of 16 train.
