Mali head coach Soumaila Coulibaly revealed that his young team is still saddened by their semifinal defeat to Morocco at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 45-year-old manager believes a victory in their third-place match against their West African counterparts, Burkina Faso, will be vital in raising the spirits of his side.
Les Aigles were unlucky to have lost 6-5 on penalties to the Atlas Cubs following a goalless score after regulation time at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine last Sunday.
“This defeat hurt us a lot but for me as a coach and also a former player, I know such can always happen to a good team in a competition. It hurt us because we felt we had a good chance to make the final,” Coulibaly said.
“It was a bit difficult for the youngsters and I had to talk to them a lot after the match.
“I told them we needed to forget the defeat and focus on what is ahead because there is so much for them. We will try to win this third-place match as a consolation for them,” the tactician concluded.
MATCHDAY! ⚽️
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⏰ 20:00 (GMT +1)
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— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 ???? (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2023
The two sides have already met in this tournament, with Mali ending up as 1-0 winners in the group stages.
Coulibaly, however, believes the third-place match holds a different test, and he revealed rotations will be made in the squad in order to give other players who haven’t gotten an opportunity to play all tournament long the avenue to display their abilities.
“Some players have played more matches and we will try give them a rest and also, those who have not had a chance will have their opportunity. We will set up a competitive team that will get is third place,” noted the tactician.
The young Malian side, who were initially in search of a record third title at the competition, will now face Les Etalons at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba on Thursday at 8pm WAT.
YOU CAN CATCH THE GAME BETWEEN MALI AND BURKINA FASO AT THE U17 AFCON LIVE ON AFROSPORT TV AT 8PM WAT.
