U-20 AFCON: Saliou Dia hails revived Senegal ahead of Nigeria clash

Photo Credit - Fédération Sénégalaise de Football.

Head coach of Senegal U20, Serigne Saliou Dia has given positive reactions about his team finding their feet ahead of their quarter final clash against Nigeria at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt.

The defending champions will come up against seven-time winners Nigeria in an all-West African affair on Monday, May 12 in Ismailia. Senegal's journey to the last eight experienced hiccups but that notwithstanding, they progressed following a1-1 draw against the Central African Republic in their opening game.

They however succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Ghana before squeezing a 2-0 victory over DR Congo in the final group game to secure their place in the knockouts.

The road to the quarter finals is what has excited Saliou Dia: “This group was born in adversity,” said Dia. “We needed to go through that storm to measure our strength. We questioned ourselves, we regrouped, and we came back stronger.

“I saw the change in their eyes during the warm-up against DR Congo. There was no more doubt — only determination.

“This is a clash of football DNA,” said Dia. “Two teams built on intensity, pride, and direct play. But this time, we want to write our own version of the story. “The title belongs to no one — it must be earned again each time. This group is still being built. The AFCON is not just a showcase, it’s a mirror.”

Nigeria remain unbeaten, opening their group game with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, then drew 0-0 with Morocco and surprisingly 2-2 against already-eliminated Kenya. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.