Dia Hails Senegal On Reaching Maiden U-17 AFCON Final

Salio Dia, the head coach of the Senegal U-17 team, has hailed his players for reaching the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria.

Senegal prevailed 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time against Burkina Faso. 

The hard-fought victory left Dia impressed and he extended his congratulations to his players while acknowledging Burkina Faso for their commendable performance in a high-quality match.

“I congratulate my players who fought hard to achieve this objective of going into the final,” the tactician said.

"I also congratulate Burkina Faso because it was a great quality match between the two sides.

“Playing the final for the first time ever is a great achievement for Senegal and we are all proud as a team.”

Dia also paid glowing tribute to the coaching staff and youth training centres in Senegal for the roles they played in nurturing the Teranga Cubs.

“I want to thank the coaches of these players from all over Senegal as well as their training centres," he added.

"We are trying to put things in place as a country and to give players the Senegalese identity from a young age, instil the values in them and we are now seeing the fruits.”

Senegal will be in action against Morocco on Friday to battle for the U-17 AFCON trophy.