In a stark reminder of the persistent issue of age fraud in African youth football, Senegal’s triumph over Morocco in the U15 African Schools Championship semi-final has reignited a heated debate. The match, which ended with a 4-0 victory for Senegal on April 9 in Zimbabwe, saw Moroccan observers and fans voicing concerns about the physical disparity between the two teams. The debate centered on the players’height, build, and apparent facial maturity, with many suggesting that some Senegalese players appeared older than the U15 category.
Adding fuel to the controversy was African football journalist and former CAF media expert Collins Okinyo, who took to social media to rekindle the discussion. “Age cheating is rampant in CAF age group events like Schools football, supposed to be played by under 15s, “he wrote in a post that quickly gained traction. Okinyo’s assertion echoed the concerns of many, highlighting the lack of stringent age verification processes in these competitions.
The absence of robust medical checks at the U15 level, particularly in contrast to the MRI scans used for U17 competitions, has been a point of contention. Observers argue that this gap in procedures allows for skepticism to grow, especially when there is a noticeable physical discrepancy among players. African football authorities are now under pressure to address these concerns, with some calling for a formal investigation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) or even appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
This is not the first time Senegal’s youth football has been at the center of such discussions. In 2019, reports emerged that several Senegalese players were disqualified from the FIFA U17 World Cup due to age-related concerns. The Senegalese Football Federation denied the exclusions, attributing them to internal checks before the final squad was submitted. The matter remains a sensitive topic within the football community.
Adding to the conversation, former Senegal international Guirane N’Daw’s statement from 2020 has resurfaced. He admitted that “99% of players in Senegal reduce their age to become professionals, “a revelation that underscores the widespread nature of age manipulation in the country’s football system.
As the debate continues, the focus now shifts to the next steps. The decision by CAF to either initiate a formal investigation or allow the result to stand without further review will be crucial in determining the direction of this ongoing controversy.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Abderrahim Kabbour
