Guinea, Senegal battle for U-20 AfCON final slot

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 10:59:51 +0000

By Grace Chiale-Lesoetsa

TOUGH-TESTED Senegal today face stubborn Guinea in the second semi-final match of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

With both teams having met their primary target of booking a place at the 2017 Under-20 World Cup finals in South Korea, the two West African giants now aim to win the AfCON title.

Senegal on paper look a better side to storm the AfCON finals having not lost a game in the Group B where they finished on top with seven points. The Young Lions of Teranga drew 1-1 with Sudan and beat South Africa 4-3 and Cameroon 2-0 to reach the semi-finals.

But Guinea have proved to be a difficulty team to beat and a surprise package in the tournament so far. Not even the hosts Zambia could beat Guinea with more than a 1-0 margin.

Senegal coach Marie Joseph Francois Koto said the team was ready for the challenge and expects a tricky encounter.

“We are expecting a tough match, it will not be easy. But we have to win to reach the finals of the tournament,” Koto said.

Guinea coach Mandjou Diallo warned that his lads will not leave anything to chance to get a final berth.

“The boys are in shape and ready for the crucial challenge. It will definitely not be an easy victory,” he said.

Senegal have so far proved to have lethal goal poachers in the name of Krépin Diatta and Ibrahima Niane and a dependable defender Mamadou Diarra.

But Guinea has a solid defence of Salif Sylla, Mamadouba Diaby, Mohamed Lamine Sylla, Mohamed Camara and Mohamed Didé Fofana, hence Senegal will have to fight hard to break through and hope to get the clincher.