Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games - Saturday's update: Wrestling brings two more gold medals to Senegal, the Lionesses shine in 3x3 basketball

Senegal experienced an emotionally charged Saturday at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). With victories in wrestling, a strong performance by the Lionesses in 3x3 basketball and a defeat for the Junior Lions in futsal, the day was marked by mixed fortunes for the Senegalese representatives.

Wrestling, a major source of gold medals

Saturday was a particularly fruitful day for Senegalese wrestling. Elisabeth Diatta led the way by giving Senegal its first gold medal of these Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Competing in the 55 kg category, the Senegalese wrestler prevailed in the final against Japan's Kojima Reisa to secure the coveted medal.

Following this, Maguette Diop also played the national anthem. The Senegalese wrestler won the gold medal in the 80 kg category, giving Senegal its second consecutive title in this discipline.

Thanks to these two performances, Senegal now has a total of three medals, including two gold and one bronze. This haul confirms the major role of wrestling in Senegal's sporting record.

3x3 Basketball: The Lionesses win after a nail-biting finish

In 3x3 basketball, the Senegalese Lionesses also delivered a strong performance. After defeating France in the morning, the young Senegalese basketball players won their second match against Poland in the evening with a close score of 20-19, in a game that was hard-fought until the final seconds.

These are valuable victories that allow the Senegalese women to continue their journey in the competition with confidence.

Futsal comes to a halt for the Lionceaux

However, it was a much tougher day for Senegal's U21 futsal team. Facing Afghanistan in their third Group A match, the young Senegalese suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat.

A setback for the Senegalese representatives, who leave this match without having found the back of the net.

China still tops the medal table

In the overall medal standings, China retains first place with 15 medals, including 10 gold. Japan occupies second position, also with 15 medals, but eight of them are gold.