Mogadishu, Somalia – (African Boulevard News) – Senegal’s head coach, Saliou Dia, has given assurances that he and his team are not taking anything for granted in their upcoming clash with Somalia at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Constantine. The match, scheduled for Friday, is the final Group A game for both teams.
Dia has been vocal about their preparations ahead of the match and has emphasized the importance of consistency and discipline throughout the tournament. “We must finish the group stage on a positive note,” said Dia, who has been in charge since 2016.
In their previous game, Senegal secured a crucial win against Cameroon, while Somalia lost their opening game to the hosts, Algeria. The result puts Senegal three points clear of Somalia, so a draw would be enough for them to progress to the quarterfinals as group winners.
“We know Somalia will come out fighting. We are not underestimating them. We will approach this just like any other game, with humility and respect,” he added.
Dia has been playing his cards close to his chest when it comes to team selection, but it is likely that he will rely on the experience of players like Pape Thiaw and El Hadji Gueye, who both scored in their previous match.
Somalia’s coach, Mohamed Abdulle Farayare, also spoke before the game and acknowledged the challenge they face. “We are the underdogs, and we know that. But we will fight hard until the end,” he said.
Despite their defeat to Algeria, Somalia’s players have shown their resilience and determination, and in their second match against Senegal, they will be looking to draw on that spirit to get a result.
The match promises to be an exciting one, with both teams aiming to progress to the next stage of the tournament. With the quality on display in the tournament so far, it is anyone’s guess who will come out on top in this game.
In conclusion, Friday’s match between Senegal and Somalia at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are hungry for a win, and with their sights set on the quarterfinals, we can expect a hard-fought battle on the field. The result will depend on which team can maintain their focus and discipline throughout the game.
