SENEGAL COACH: “WE’RE THE UNDERDOGS IN A VERY STRONG GROUP”
Senegal, hosts of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2015), are bracing for a major challenge in Group A, where they will face Nigeria, Congo, and Ivory Coast. Despite being placed in Pot 1 as hosts, the Lion Cubs’ coach admits that his team are outsiders in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive group.
“It’s a very strong group, we have to admit,” the coach commented following the draw held this Sunday in Cairo.
Senegal will open their campaign against Nigeria, followed by crucial matches against Congo and Ivory Coast — both nations with impressive youth setups. The coach stressed the importance of focused and detailed preparation, particularly in light of the experience and resources that nations like Nigeria and Ivory Coast invest in their youth teams.
“It’s good to have played Ivory Coast already. Now we need to closely study Nigeria and Congo. We must enter this preparation phase with full commitment.”
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals, and in doing so, will also qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand (May 30 – June 20).
🎯 Target: World Cup Qualification
The Senegalese coach made clear that the main goal is to reach the semi-finals, which would automatically ensure a World Cup berth.
“By qualifying for the semi-finals, we will have time to reassess and aim higher.”
To meet that objective, the coach confirmed that a training camp is now essential:
“We promised a training camp and it has become necessary given our opponents and the resources they put into the lower categories.”
He also reminded that both Nigeria and Ivory Coast were finalists in the 2013 U-17 AFCON, underlining their pedigree.
🔥 Group A (Senegal’s group)
Senegal 🇸🇳
Nigeria 🇳🇬
Congo 🇨🇬
Ivory Coast 🇨🇮
⚔️ Group B
Ghana 🇬🇭
Mali 🇲🇱
South Africa 🇿🇦
Zambia 🇿🇲
The stage is set for a thrilling U-20 AFCON, where Senegal hopes to rise above the odds and make history on home soil.
