Senegal midfielder Pierre Antoine Diatta Dorival says his side are mentally prepared for their must-win clash against DR Congo at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The defending champions find themselves third in Group C with just one point from two matches and will need all three points when they face DR Congo at the New Suez Stadium on Thursday (15:00 GMT) to stand a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
Having drawn their opener against DR Congo and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ghana, the Lion Cubs are under pressure to deliver.
Speaking ahead of the crunch encounter, Dorival – who plies his trade with the reserves of French giants Olympique de Marseille – admitted the loss to Ghana was tough to take but insisted the squad remains focused and motivated.
“We approached the match well, so losing to Ghana was really disappointing,” Dorival said. “But we are mentally ready and strong. We will come with a lot of concentration and lucidity to be able to win this match.”
The midfielder’s comments reflect the mood in the Senegalese camp as they aim to avoid becoming the latest defending champions to exit in the group stages. Prior to this edition, five past winners—including Nigeria, Zambia and Ghana—failed to progress beyond the first round in their title-defending campaigns.
Dorival believes Senegal’s experience and unity will be crucial.
“I think we will be able to win this match—us alone. We don’t want to rely on anyone else,” he added.
Senegal are chasing their first win in Group C, where Ghana have already secured a quarter-final spot following their 1-0 victory over Central African Republic in the day’s other fixture.
DR Congo, meanwhile, have four points and would secure qualification with a draw. A defeat for the Congolese, however, could see them miss out depending on goal difference and head-to-head outcomes.
Senegal’s fate now hangs on their ability to deliver under pressure—something they have done in the past, but must prove once again in Ismailia.
