Algiers, Algeria – (African Boulevard News) – Despite their exit from the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Congo’s head coach Fabrizio Cesana says he is pleased with the lessons and achievements picked by his team.
The young Congolese side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in the quarter-finals, bringing an end to their AFCON journey. However, the coach believes his side gave a good account of themselves throughout the tournament.
“We played a good game against Algeria, but unfortunately, we could not convert our chances. However, I am pleased with the performance of my team in the tournament. They gained valuable experience, and they played a brand of football that will put Congo’s football on the right track,” said Cesana.
Congo made their first appearance in the TotalEnergies U17 AFCON in 17 years and played with confidence and poise. In the group stage, they drew 1-1 with Cameroon before losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast. They earned a 2-0 win over Gabon to earn a quarter-final spot.
Cesana’s team showcased their quality and resilience despite their young age, with players like midfielder David Mayemba and striker Heritier Ngambo showing impressive performance. The coach hopes the experience gained by the young players in the tournament will help them improve in their local league.
“It is a good experience for us, and we will learn from it. We have a young team, and the future is bright for our football. We have players who can make a difference, and I believe that we will do well in the future,” added Cesana.
The TotalEnergies U17 AFCON was the first youth tournament organized by CAF in two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event served as a platform for young African players to showcase their skills and build experience, with scouts and international teams keenly watching the games.
The tournament was won by Nigeria, who beat Ghana 3-1 in the final. Algeria finished third, while Morocco secured fourth place. All four teams qualified for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be held in Peru.
The TotalEnergies U17 AFCON was a significant step in developing football in Africa and nurturing young talent. Cesana, who is also a UEFA Pro Licence holder, is confident that Congo’s football is on the right track, and the future is bright.
