Senegal Under-17 head coach Seydina Issa Aidara has called on his players to remain humble, disciplined and focused as they prepare for Tuesday’s TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final against Tanzania in Morocco.
The Young Lions of Teranga will face the Serengeti Boys in a highly anticipated final that pits one of Africa’s most established youth football powers against one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Senegal secured their place in the final after edging hosts Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout, while Tanzania made history by reaching their first-ever continental youth final after overcoming Egypt on penalties.
Despite the achievement, Aidara insists his players must avoid celebrating too early.
“We must savor this moment, but remain humble. The real story is written in the final, not before. We must stay focused and wait until we win the cup to celebrate and erupt in jubilation,” he said.
The coach believes his squad has benefited from Senegal’s recent success across African football but warned that this generation must create its own legacy.
“Recent successes show the way, but each generation must write its own story without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to deliver results,” Aidara added.
Managing emotions has been a key part of Senegal’s preparation, with the coach encouraging his players to embrace the occasion rather than fear it.
“I told them to play for fun, not for the pressure. The final is a reward, not a burden. Unleash your talents.”
Tanzania arrive in the final full of confidence after a remarkable campaign, but Aidara remains tight-lipped about his tactical approach.
“What we discuss will be between us, within the team. We don’t need to air it. At this level, everyone knows each other.”
Senegal’s journey has been shaped by adversity. The West Africans opened the tournament with a 2-1 defeat to South Africa, a result Aidara believes became a turning point.
“This defeat made us realize the difficulty of the task. Nothing will be handed to us, everything will have to be fought for. It forged in them an iron will and a steely resolve.”
The coach also highlighted the importance of set pieces, an area he believes could prove decisive in a tightly contested final.
“Every match comes down to details, and set pieces are one of them. We’ve worked on it and we’re continuing to work on it.”
While acknowledging the physical demands of a long tournament, Aidara expressed confidence that the occasion itself will provide the necessary energy.
“The bodies are tired, but playing in a final provides such motivation that you forget about it.”
He also praised the contribution of every squad member, stressing that success is built collectively.
“Every member of the team has a key role to play. It’s essential to value our substitutes because their energy, support and positive attitude drive our collective success.”
Beyond the pursuit of continental glory, Aidara hopes the tournament serves as a stepping stone in the development of his young players.
“Talent opens doors, but only dedication and discipline keep them open. The Africa Cup of Nations must be a springboard, not an end in itself.”
With a continental title now just one match away, Senegal will look to complete their journey against a determined Tanzania side. For Aidara, however, the message remains simple: stay calm, stay humble and finish the job on the pitch.
