South Africa put up a fight on Thursday afternoon to come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Senegal in their opening Group D match at the 2026 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

The entertaining encounter saw both sides battle intensely for an important early advantage in the group stage before South Africa eventually emerged victorious.

Senegal took the lead in the 44th minute through defender Cheikh Thior after a well-worked move involving teammate Sega Mbodji. The goal gave the defending champions a narrow advantage heading into the halftime break as they looked to control the match.

South Africa returned from the break with renewed intensity and found the equaliser just three minutes into the second half. Inganathi Simama scored in the 48th minute after being set up by Aphelele Majola to bring the South Africans level.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour as they continued to push forward in search of a winner.

The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Senegal defender Cheikh Thior unfortunately turned the ball into his own net under pressure, handing South Africa a crucial lead.

Despite Senegal’s efforts to respond, South Africa held firm defensively to secure all three points in their opening Group D fixture.

The victory gives South Africa an important early boost in the race for qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament.

In the other Group D game, Ghana will lock horns with Algeria later tonight at 7 pm.