Senegal head coach Saliou Dia has beckoned on his players to strive to etch their names in the record books when they face North African side Morocco in the finals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.
The former international thanked the local fans for their support before calling on his players to ensure they gave their best in the crucial final game.
“I thank the Algerian people who have supported all of the teams, and thanks too for the welcoming public. I thank everyone for making us feel welcome. After that, all I can say is that a final is a final,” Dia said.
“It is a moment for players to write down their names in the history of this Africa Cup of Nations, and therefore it is extremely important.
“It is up to my players now to produce an excellent match against Morocco in the final,” the tactician added.
The Young Lions of Teranga have never won the tournament, but the West African country has been the star of the continent on all fronts, as they are currently the winners of the AFCON on the senior level, the U-20 AFCON, and the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.
Dia, however, has his sights set on breaking the jinx as Senegal push for their first piece of silverware at the U-17 stage.
“In youth football, it does not matter who you are. It demands you to show your potential – you can win today and fail tomorrow, but I think there are other important aspects,” he said.
“The important thing for the coach is to train the players who tomorrow will represent the Under-20’s, Under-23’s and senior national team. I think that focus is the secret behind Senegal’s success,” Dia added.
Senegal have undoubtedly been the best side in the competition, having scored 13 goals and conceded just one without suffering a defeat all through the tournament. Dia’s side won all their games in the group stages, defeating Congo, hosts Algeria, and Somalia. They saw off South Africa with 5-0 masterclass in the quarterfinals before defeating Burkina Faso 5-4 on penalties in the semi-final.
They will face a capable Moroccan side in the final game of the tournament at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algeria, this Friday at 10p.m. WAT.
YOU CAN CATCH THE GAME BETWEEN MALI AND BURKINA FASO AT THE U17 AFCON LIVE ON AFROSPORT TV AT 10PM WAT.
