TotalEnergies U17 AFCON: We will play with ‘positive pressure’ says Senegal’s Dia

Senegal head coach Saliou Dia has admitted his team will face a lot of pressure on Tuesday evening when they take on hosts Algeria in the second Group A match of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but notes they want to turn this into ‘positive pressure’.

The two sides started off their campaigns with wins, and meet in a top of the table clash with whoever wins earning a ticket into the quarter finals.

“We know that we will play a very difficult match. Algeria is the host country and they also have a very good team and players with good technical skills. We will develop a good strategy for this match,” the former Senegalese international said.

The coach adds; “There is a lot of pressure on everyone, but we want to make this positive pressure. Both these countries know each other well, but we are motivated to work for a win.”

The match is considered by many as a final before a final, noting that the twi countries recently met at senior level when Senegal edged out the Algerians for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) title.

Dia says the fact that there is a qualification card to play for will make the contest even tighter, but remains optimistic in the ability of his players.

“We must be focused and patient. We have to minimize the mistakes from the game against Congo and I am confident we can win,” said the coach.

Meanwhile, midfielder Abdou Aziz Fall believes the team has what it takes to beat Algeria.

“We will face a great team but we are taking the game as just like any other game. We are ready as players and we will give our best to try and win,” he added.