Burkina Faso in improved confidence ahead of Senegal showdown

Burkina Faso defender Aly Sokondou says the recent victories at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Cameroon and Nigeria have massively improved their confidence ahead of Sunday’s semi-final against Senegal in Annaba.

After starting their campaign with defeat against Mali, the Burkinabe beat defending champions Cameroon to make the quarter finals, where they went on to beat pre-tournament favorites Nigeria.

“The last two wins have improved our confidence. Of course we cannot base our preparations on these past matches, but they have given us more belief,” the defender noted.

He added; “Each match has its own dynamics. We face a Senegal side which is really good and their national teams have won different competitions, but facing a team like this is a motivation for us.”

Head coach Brahima Traore also expects a difficult outing against Senegal, a side they have already faced in the last few weeks, having played against them and won in a pre-tournament friendly match in Morocco.

But, he knows the result from the friendly match will count for nothing as the two teams have changed personnel.

“There are many players in both teams who were in Morocco but are not here in Algeria. It will be different. We have seen their team and the results they have produced and definitely, it will not be an easy match,” noted the coach.

Senegal have been on top form in Algeria, winning all their four matches without conceding a goal and scoring 12, an average of three per game.

But, Traore says they will play their hearts out as they battle for their second target at the tournament, winning the title.

“It will definitely not be easy given their journey so far. But we will play our hearts out to try and reach the final,” he added.

Senegal are looking to qualify for their fourth final, and are also seeking their second U17 title.