Senegal has been the center of discussion in African football following their recent continental successes after the Teranga Lions won their first ever senior Africa Cup of Nations last year.
The West African side also added an Under-20 Africa Cup title in Egypt this year. They are also reigning champions of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
At the ongoing Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, Senegal has already qualified for the quarterfinals with only two matches played.
They started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Congo and beat the hosts Algeria via a 0-3 scoreline.
The win has elated Under-17 coach Saliou Dia as he now shifts attention to qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Dia has revealed why there has been an improvement in Senegalese youth football in the recent CAF competitions.
He states that the academies have been grooming players that are now performing well for the national teams.
“There are training centres in Senegal and Academies are working to train more players,” said Dia.
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He added that their success is a product of the efforts going on behind the scenes by the Senegalese FA.
“I thank the coaches for their work in Senegal. A lot of work has been done and a lot more will be done,” he noted.
Senegal’s next match at the 2023 U-17 AFCON is against Somalia on Friday at 21:00 hrs.
