FIFA International week friendly matches: Three Interesting facts to look out for ahead of the international break
- African champions to be in action post TotalEnergies CAF AFCON success
- Young African talents to be on display
- Diaz raring to go in Atlas Lions colours
The month of March often coincides with the first FIFA International week of the calendar year. CAFOnline takes a look at some interesting facts ahead of the break where recently crowned African champions, Cote d’Ivoire are set to be in action for the first time since their continental triumph.
The first outing of the African champions
Following their triumphant showing on home soil to lift their third TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title, Cote d’Ivoire will be in action in France where they will face Benin before crossing swords with Uruguay in Lens.
This will be a special return for midfield general, Seko Fofana and defender Serge Aurier who were both in the colours of Racing Club de Lens previously.
In addition to presenting their African crown to the Ivorian diaspora living in France, these two meetings will be an opportunity for Emerse Fae’s charges to gauge themselves at international level - an ideal preparation for the next FIFA World Cup Qualifier where against Gabon and Kenya.
Youth talent to be on display
It was only a matter of time for their talent to be displayed to the rest of the world. Senegalese sensation, Amara Diouf as well as Mali’s Ibrahim Diarra shine their exceptional talents with their respective senior national teams.
Captain of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON winning Senegal team, Diouf made his debut against Rwanda with very little at stake. It will be a different setting for the teenage star who is tipped to be the next big star from the former African champions.
La réaction d’Amara Diouf lorsqu’il apprend sa sélection avec les A 🎥pic.twitter.com/NgcqTIr7YW
— 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗲́𝗻𝗲́𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗶𝘀 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) March 15, 2024
Winner of the silver boot at last year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia, Ibrahim Diarra earned himself a called up to coach Éric Sékou Chelle Eagles squad.
The 17-year-old star is expected to get the nod when the west African side takes on Nigeria in Marrakech.