Senegal Under-20 coach Serigne Saliou Dia has declared his determination to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations title ahead of the continental tournament set to take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, 2025.
Speaking with a sense of purpose and conviction, Dia underlined the challenges that lie ahead as Senegal prepares to compete for top honours once again.
“When we talk about reconquest, it means that the work must be harder and more difficult,” Dia said. “It is easy to win but difficult to stay at the top.”
Senegal, who last lifted the U20 AFCON trophy in 2023, are approaching this edition with renewed focus and a deep awareness of the demands of competing at the highest level.
For Dia, the emphasis is not just on winning but on sustaining success through discipline, humility and effort.
The coach revealed that he has been deeply moved by the address delivered by Senegal’s Minister of Sports during the recent national flag presentation ceremony.
The words, he said, served as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with representing the country on the continental stage.
“We are educating the players to be very humble, very discreet, and that everything comes through hard work,” Dia explained.
“These values are essential if we want to achieve something meaningful in this competition.”
With just days remaining before the start of the tournament, Dia is under no illusions about the intensity of the challenge.
He expects stiff competition from every participating nation and is aware that no team can afford to be underestimated.
“We will take things step by step,” he said. “The first objective is to qualify for the World Cup.
This is important for our young players to continue their progression and prepare to eventually join the senior national team.”
For Dia, the focus is on long-term development as much as immediate success. His track record includes guiding Senegal’s U17 side to African glory, and now he is aiming to replicate that success with the U20s.
Despite the high expectations, the coach remains composed. “It’s always a pleasure to represent your country and aim for victory,” he noted. “I don’t want to have any regrets, which is why I insist on the right attitude. The players have to give it their all.”
Senegal will arrive in Egypt as one of the tournament’s favourites, but Dia is careful not to let the pressure cloud his perspective.
His priority remains fostering a team spirit rooted in commitment and unity, qualities he believes are fundamental to competing at the top level.
“We want to go as far as possible, but we also want to do it with the right mindset,” he said. “Talent alone is not enough.
It’s the character, the desire, and the discipline that will make the difference.”
As the countdown to kick-off continues, Serigne Saliou Dia is rallying his young charges for what he hopes will be another historic chapter in Senegal’s football story—one built on resolve, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.
