The Senegalese U17 national football team has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the U17 AFCON by overcoming Mali. Following their victory, head coach Lamine Sané expressed confidence in his team’s abilities and discussed the challenges they faced during the match.
Lamine Sané Praises Team’s Mental Strength
During an interview with FSF TV, Sané highlighted the resilience shown by his players, who played with just ten men for most of the match. He remarked, “It was a challenging match, a regional derby in the west. We had prepared well and implemented our plan. Unfortunately, we received a red card early in the game. However, the team demonstrated courage, resilience, and adherence to the staff’s instructions.” He commended his players for their performance.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the win, Sané acknowledged that the team needs to refine certain aspects before facing Morocco in the semi-finals. He stated, “We will build on our strengths and work to improve in areas such as avoiding cards and enhancing our gameplay.” His focus remains on ensuring the team performs at its best.
Upcoming Challenge Against Morocco
As the team prepares for their next challenge, Sané emphasized the importance of focusing on his squad rather than the Moroccan players, many of whom hold dual nationalities. “We will concentrate on our players and trust them. There is strong cohesion within the team, and we will exploit Morocco’s weaknesses to secure a victory.” Sané noted that drawing from their experiences can help them succeed.
The Growth of Senegalese Football
Reflecting on the evolution of football development in Senegal, Sané said, “The progression of our training is impressive. We have reached the semi-finals without extensive preparation, indicating that Senegal is among the top African nations.” His commitment to fostering improvement in Senegalese football is evident.
Building Mental Resilience
Sané believes that the recent challenges have strengthened his team’s mentality. He remarked, “Since receiving the red card against Ghana, we have forged strong bonds and developed a resilient mindset. It requires significant mental strength to finish matches with ten players. I am confident that the team is now mentally prepared to face Morocco.” Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that they can achieve their ultimate goal at the tournament.
