Senegal U20 coach Serigne Saliou Dia has stressed that although his team wants to win the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), they are aware that they must work for it.
Speaking in a pre-match interview ahead of the quarter-final clash against Nigeria, Coach Saliou Dia said the title belongs to no one.
“The title belongs to no one — it must be earned again each time. This group is still being built. The AFCON is not just a showcase, it’s a mirror,” the Senegal U20 coach said.
The Young Teranga Lions have struggled at the 2025 CAF U20 AFCON but have gradually picked up.
The team kicked off their campaign at the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Central African Republic before losing to Ghana in their second game.
The team later had to fight to beat DR Congo in their final Group C game to earn a place in the quarter-final.
Coach Saliou Dia believes that after advancing to the quarter-final, his team has learned and is ready to give everything to achieve their goals.
The quarter-final clash between the defending champions and Nigeria will kick off at 12:00 GMT on Monday, May 12, at the Ismailia Stadium.
The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
