Senegal defeated hosts Algeria 3-0 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday to become the first team to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria will aim to follow suit when they trade tackles with Morocco on Wednesday.
Senegal’s impressive victory against hosts Algeria in the second Group A match at the U17 AFCON has given the Golden Eaglets five crucial lessons ahead of their second group game against Morocco on Wednesday.
Scoring goals is crucial
Senegal’s three-goal win was a result of their efficient scoring ability. They were able to convert their chances, unlike the Algerians, who failed to make the most of their opportunities.
The Golden Eaglets need to be clinical in front of goal if they want to beat Morocco and progress to the quarter-finals.
Solid defence wins games
Senegal’s second consecutive clean sheet was a testament to their defensive solidity. The Golden Eaglets need to be organised and disciplined at the back to avoid conceding unnecessary goals.
Set-pieces are vital
Senegal’s opening goal came from a set-piece. They were able to capitalise on their opponent’s defensive frailty to score a crucial goal. The Golden Eaglets need to make the most of their set-piece opportunities to score against Morocco.
Penalty decisions can be game-changing
Diouf’s penalty in the 60th minute was a game-changer. It gave Senegal a two-goal cushion and knocked the wind out of Algeria’s sails. Nigeria missed a penalty in the closing stages of their game against Zambia.
Conversely, the Golden Eaglets must be wary of conceding penalties and avoid making rash challenges inside the box.
Good team play leads to success
Senegal’s victory was a result of good team play. The players were able to work together and complement each other’s strengths. The Golden Eaglets need to play as a cohesive unit and not rely on individual brilliance to win against Morocco.
In conclusion, Senegal’s victory against Algeria has provided the Golden Eaglets with valuable lessons on how to approach their game against Morocco. If they can apply these lessons and play to their full potential, they will have a good chance of securing a victory and booking their place in the quarter-finals of the U17 AFCON.
