15-year-old Amara Diouf becomes youngest debutant for Senegal football team

Amara Diouf makes history for Senegal national team

Amara Diouf's entry into a TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualification at the age of 15 years and 94 days was a noteworthy occasion in African football history. The fact that he was the youngest player ever to don the shirt of the Senegalese senior national team added to his accomplishments.

His path to this momentous occasion began with a stellar showing in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria in 2023 when he emerged as the competition's leading scorer with five goals. Aliou Cisse noticed this bright ability and gave him the start over Rwanda in the 70th minute.

The teenage star nearly scored a magnificent goal in the 81st minute to cap a well-executed move, but Fiacre Ntwari's outstanding save prevented it.

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations champion Senegal squad, which features a star-studded lineup, is headed to Cote d'Ivoire. For the youthful sensation, this is just the beginning.

By starting 15-year-old Diouf against Rwanda, Senegal is replicating the lead of Spain, who also selected 16-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal in their 2024 Euros qualifier against Georgia.

The debut has unavoidably drawn similarities to Sadio Mane former Liverpool player, another member of Generation Foot. Although it's too soon to draw any conclusions, Diouf's early exposure to senior football has undoubtedly prepared him for a good career.

While the draw against Rwanda may have left Senegal feeling underwhelmed, the rise of Diouf adds excitement to the future of Senegalese and African football.

Despite his youth, Diouf has already played twice this season for Generation Foot in the African Champions League. His quick rise through the ranks raises the possibility that European clubs may start to take notice of him soon.