U-20 World Cup: Senegal fight back to hold Israel

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

African champions Senegal on Wednesday fought back to hold Israel to a 1-1 draw at the ongoing Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

After a goalless first half, Israel shockingly took the lead on 58 minutes from an own goal by Babacar Ndiaye.

Ndiaye, who tried to clear a cross into the six-yard box, sent the ball behind his own keeper.

Senegal, who lost their opening match by a lone goal to Japan, were about crashing out of the tournament, when Pape Demba equalised nine minutes to duration time.

Demba bravely launched himself at a cross from Mamadou Gning and gave Tomer Tzarfati no chance with a close-range bullet header into the bottom right corner.

Earlier on 23 minutes, Tai Abed Kassus brilliantly evaded multiple challenges and bent in a shot from the edge of the box towards the bottom right corner. It was a weak effort, however, and was easily saved by Mamour Ndiaye.

On 41 minutes, a great solo run by Mame Faye took him deep inside the box, but his weak effort towards the bottom left corner was easily caught by Tomer Tzarfati.

Mamadou Camara, on 53 minutes met a cross inside the penalty area and unloaded a good attempt towards the top left corner. Tzarfati was prepared  and denied him with a fantastic save.