Senegal U20’s Dorival: “We are mentally ready” for DR Congo showdown
Senegal U20 midfielder Pierre Antoine Diatta Dorival believes his team has the right mindset to get the job done when they face DR Congo in a decisive Group C clash at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
The defending champions find themselves in a precarious position ahead of Thursday’s encounter at the New Suez Stadium (15:00 GMT), with just one point from their opening two matches. Only a victory will give them a realistic shot at progressing to the quarter-finals.
Dorival, who plays for the reserves of Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille, shared his thoughts ahead of the crucial match. He reflected on the frustration within the camp following their 1-0 loss to Ghana but emphasized that the players are mentally prepared to respond.
“I think that, as we approached it, the match went well, so it was really disappointing,” Dorival told AfricaSoccer.com about the Ghana defeat.
“But we are mentally ready, we are strong. So I think we will come with a lot of concentration, above all. A lot of lucidity too to be able to win this match,” he continued.
Senegal opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo and followed it up with the narrow defeat to Ghana, ending a 12-match unbeaten run in group-stage play.
The loss also marked the first time in 13 matches that the West Africans failed to score in a U20 AFCON fixture.
With Ghana sealing top spot in Group C after defeating Central African Republic 1-0 in the group’s other game, the equation is simple for Senegal: win or go home.
Dorival is confident his side can take control of their destiny without relying on outside factors.
“I think we will be able to win this match, us alone,” he added. “We don’t want to depend on any other result.”
Their opponents DR Congo sit on four points and need only a draw to progress. The Congolese, however, will be aware of Senegal’s pedigree and the urgency with which they are expected to approach the contest.
The stage is now set for a dramatic finale to Group C, with Senegal’s title defence hanging by a thread—but still within their grasp.