TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON: Senegal aim to continue country's winning streak

Senegal will be seeking to continue the nation’s excellent winning run in continental competitions when they open their TotalEnergies U-20 Cup of Nations campaign against Nigeria on Sunday.

The Young Teranga Lions will face the record tournament winners at the Cairo International Stadium in their Group A clash.

The successes of the Teranga Lions, the Beach Soccer national team and the home-based national side has added more zeal to Malick Daf’s charges to go all the way in Egypt.

“We are here to continue success of our country on the continent,” said coach Malick Daf said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

The Cubs are strong contenders for the title having been to the final in each of their last three appearances but are yet to claim the coveted trophy.

They qualified for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as WAFU-A champions in 2022 in Mauritania when they edged neighbors Gambia 1-0 courtesy a Samba Diallo goal.

"We feel at home and thanks to the hosts for the good reception and hospitality," said Daf, who made his name while playing for the Senegalese giants US Goree.

The Senegalese team have in their ranks Lamine Camara who was one of the best players at CHAN 2022 in Algeria early this month.

The three-time runners-up are in Group A with Egypt, Mozambique and Nigeria.

"We want to qualify for the World Cup later this year,” said captain Samba Diallo.

"Our group is very competitive but we are looking at ourselves and do what we have to do in order to win and qualify.”