AFCON U20: Senegal Optimistic of Better Performance in Niger

Ahead of Senegal’s opening match in the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, both the head coach and the captain of Senegal have expressed confidence that the junior Teranga Lions are well prepared for the tournament being hosted in Niger.

Senegal are paired along with Mali, Ghana and Burkina Faso in Group B, and will face Mali tomorrow at the Stade de Maradi.

Addressing a pre-match press conference today, Senegal coach Youssouph Dabo said the junior Teranga Lions have played a series of test matches that were meant to better prepare them for U-20 AFCON.

“We have prepared well for this tournament since after the qualifiers and we followed that with weekly camping. We also played at WAFU B tournament in Togo and series of friendly matches to be well prepared for this tournament,” Dabe said.

Senegal got to the second round where they defeated Egypt (7-6 on penalties) and eventually edged out Congo 6-3 in the Third Round to finally secure their spot in finals of the tournament.

Ousseynou Cavin Diagne, captain of the Senegalese junior team said, “We’re ready for the tournament and our preparations went very well. We’re taking the tournament match by match but our objective is to qualify for the World Cup then we can see what next.”

This year’s edition marks Senegal’s fifth appearance at the tournament after they previously participated in the 1993, 1995, 2015, and 2017 editions.

Image: CAF Online