History awaits Serengeti Boys

DAR ES SALAAM: SERENGETI Boys Head Coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu has said his team is ready to give their all when they face Senegal in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, today.

He commented during the team’s final training session ahead of the eagerly awaited showdown, admitting that they are expecting a physically demanding encounter against a Senegalese side AFCON UNDER 17: renowned for its strength, height and direct style of play. “

We know Senegal is a very strong side physically, and they use their height very well, especially when playing direct football,” said Nsanganzelu.

“But we have studied them thoroughly and prepared our players accordingly. We understand the challenge ahead of us, yet we are ready to give everything because this is a final and every team at this stage is difficult.”

The tactician insisted Tanzania are not intimidated by the West Africans, stressing that lifting the trophy remains the only target for his side.

“When you reach the final, you must be prepared to face any opponent. Whether it was Morocco or Senegal, it would still be a tough match because every team that reached the semi-finals deserved to be there,” he said.

“What matters now is the trophy on the table. If you want to become a big football nation, you must be ready to compete against strong teams and overcome difficult moments.”

The Serengeti Boys have enjoyed a remarkable campaign in Morocco, emerging as one of the tournament’s most exciting sides.

Tanzania topped Group C with six points after recording emphatic 3-0 victories over Mozambique and Angola before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Mali in their final group match.

In the quarter-finals, the East Africans battled to an entertaining 3-3 draw against Algeria before holding their nerve to secure a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory.

They once again showed resilience in the semi-finals after a goalless draw against Egypt, eventually triumphing 4-3 on penalties to book their place in the final.

Senegal, meanwhile, recovered from a difficult start to their campaign after opening with a 2-1 defeat to South Africa.

The West Africans bounced back strongly with victories over Ghana and Algeria to finish top of Group D with six points.

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In the quarter-finals, Senegal fought to a 1-1 draw against Mali before advancing with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory.

Their semi-final clash against hosts Morocco was equally dramatic, as they conceded a 99th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw before surviving a tense 7-6 penalty shootout to reach the final.