As the reigning champions of the UEMOA tournament, the Senegal Lions are set to commence their quest for a third title in six editions this Sunday against Benin’s Squirrels. The local Senegal football team, composed of U20 players already gearing up for the Can Juniors scheduled for Senegal in 2015, finds itself in what appears to be an easier Group B alongside Niger, Benin, and Guinea Bissau.
In contrast, the other group seems more challenging, with the host country set to face Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali – the latter two nations being renowned for their prowess in this category. Despite the seemingly favorable group, Senegal Lions’ coach Joseph Koto, a two-time winner of the tournament in 2008 and 2011, emphasizes that “nothing is a foregone conclusion, it will take concentration and rigor to retain this title.”
The tournament holds significant importance beyond the monetary reward of 5 million FCFA for the winner. The essence of “African integration” is a central theme in this competition, which did not take place the previous year.
Commencing on October 26, 2013, the tournament is scheduled to conclude on November 2, culminating in the final that will directly pit the winners of Groups A and B against each other.
