Africa’s Final Two Hopefuls Eye Glory at U-20 World Cup
As Africa gears up for the start of qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, attention momentarily shifts to New Zealand, where two African nations are still flying the flag at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Mali and Senegal remain the continent’s last hopes in the tournament as the competition enters the quarter-final stage on Sunday. Nigeria and Ghana, both considered strong contenders, bowed out in the Round of 16.
Mali will face a daunting challenge as they take on Germany, who eliminated Nigeria with a narrow 1-0 victory in the previous round. The young Eagles of Mali are aiming to exact some form of continental revenge and extend their impressive run. Their 3-1 win over Ghana in the group stage proved they have the attacking power to upset even the strongest opponents.
While Germany are tipped as favourites, Mali have emerged as one of the tournament’s more entertaining teams and have already defied expectations. A victory over the Europeans would mark a significant milestone for Malian football and underline their rising status on the youth stage.
Elsewhere, Senegal prepare to meet Uzbekistan in what many see as a more evenly balanced encounter. The Central Asians are not traditional heavyweights in youth football, and Senegal will be eyeing a realistic path to the semi-finals.
The Lions of Teranga stunned Ukraine in the last round, with goalkeeper Ibrahima Sy playing a crucial role in a dramatic penalty shootout. Head coach Joseph Koto believes his side is gaining momentum at just the right time.
“We came here with serious ambitions,” Koto said after the victory. “I told the boys after the Round of 16 that the journey is not over. Our eyes are firmly on the final – that’s our target.”
Koto’s young team has shown flashes of promise throughout the tournament, and with discipline and focus, they could take another step toward history. However, the coach has warned against any hint of overconfidence, noting that complacency could be costly.
U-20 World Cup Quarter-final Fixtures – Sunday, 14 June 2015:
Brazil vs Portugal – Hamilton, Waikato Stadium, 13:00
Mali vs Germany – Christchurch, Christchurch Stadium, 13:00
USA vs Serbia – Auckland, North Harbour Stadium, 16:30
Uzbekistan vs Senegal – Wellington, Regional Stadium, 16:30
With both Mali and Senegal carrying African hopes into the final eight, Sunday’s fixtures promise high drama and potential breakthroughs. For fans across the continent, the dream of seeing one of their own lifting the trophy remains very much alive.
