Niger U-23 manager Zakariaou Ibrahim Yahaya has set sights on the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Group B decider against Mali on Saturday after his side defeated Gabon 1-0 on Wednesday.
The victory courtesy of Abdoul Moumouni’s second half penalty was the West African side’s first-ever victory in the U-23 AFCON in what is their maiden tournament outing as well.
It was also their first goal in tournament and Yahaya is not going to take things to chance against Mali and believes his players can get the job done and book a spot in the semi-finals.
“While we hold the advantage with four points, we cannot underestimate the determination of the Malian team to defeat us,” he said.
“The recovery period will be very important for my team going into the last group match with Mali. But I trust my players to deliver when it matters most.”
Celebrating a first ever #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 goal ???????????? pic.twitter.com/kg43loF88i
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 ???? (@CAF_Online) June 28, 2023
Niger are tied on four points with Egypt while Mali are with three points, setting things up for a fierce battle in the final round of fixtures on Saturday to keep the hopes of qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris alive.
