Sleeves folded, fists tight: It’s the TotalEnergies U17 AFCON Final

After a rigorous, entertaining and heart-throbbing three weeks of action in the Algerian cities of the capital Algiers, Annaba and Constantine, the best of the best will be crowned on Friday night at the final of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

From 11 teams that started the tournament, the four heading to the FIFA World Cup are known and now it is time for the best of the pile to float on top like cream in pure milk.

Senegal and Morocco confront each other at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, each eyeing the title for the first time in their history.

Senegal:

The Teranga Cubs have set a historic run at the tournament, not only going past the group phases for the first time ever, but also making it all the way to the final. Their previous two participations ended in the group stages.

But this year, the same lady luck who has smiled on other Senegalese national teams, turned her face towards the junior Cubs in their run in Algeria.

Just a few months ago in February, their team of locally-based players reached the final of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), also hosted in Algeria, and went on to clinch the title. They beat Algeria 5-4 on penalties and the Saliou Dia-coached side hopes for similar favours.

Road to the final:

The Senegalese are unbeaten since the start of the tournament, and only failed to win and conceded a goal in their semi-final against Burkina Faso.

They were drawn in Group A where they finished with a 100pc record without conceding a goal. Dia’s charges beat Congo 1-0, hosts Algeria 3-0 and then wound up their group phase duties with a routine 3-0 victory over Somalia in Constantine.

In the quarter finals, they ran rampant over South Africa’s Amajimbos thrashing them 5-0.

They found a tougher nut to crack in the semi-finals in Annaba, where they drew 1-1 with Burkina Faso, but prevailed 5-4 on post-match penalties.

Players to watch:

Amara Diouf is definitely top on the players to watch for Senegal. The skipper has been a sensational revelation for the team, and has scored five goals so far, breaking Victor Osimhen’s tournament record of four goals set in 2015.

Diouf’s leadership is not only centred upfront where he leads the attack line, but also how he carries the entire team and motivates them in matches.

Another player who has been key for Senegal is midfielder Abodu Aziz Fall who has been anchoring their midfield. He dictates the tempo of matches and his passing has been crucial as well.

Goalkeeper Serigne Diouf has kept four clean sheets in five matches and is also a crucial componment of the team.

Morocco

The Atlas Cubs, just like their Teranga counterparts are playing in a final for the first time ever. Their best previous performance has been a semi-final exit when they hosted the tournament in 2013.

Said Chiba’s men have made history for their country and now look to go one step further and clinch the title, earning inspiration from the sensational performance of their senior team at last year’s FIFA World Cup.

** Road to the final:**

Morocco were placed in Group B and won their first two matches, beating South Africa 2-0 and two-time champions Nigeria 1-0. They lost their final group match 2-1 to Zambia, but they had already secured top spot and a ticket to the last eight.

In the quarter finals, they stepped up against hosts Algeria, beating them 3-0 in Constantine against a very intimidating crowd.

In the semis, they once again pushed aside a giant, beating two-time champions Mali 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.

Players to watch:

Goalkeeper Taha Benrhozil is one of the crucial players in coach Chiba’s set up. Benrhozil saved three penalties against Mali, and has kept three clean sheets in the tournament. He is also key in starting up Morocco’s play from the back.

Skipper Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is another crucial aspect in the team. He has been rock-solid at the back and his side has not conceded in the three matches he has started.

Upfront, Zakaria Ouazane has also been a key player and is one to watch in the final. Not only are his goal-scoring antics top notch with three goals so far in the competition, but his hold up play especially against tougher opponents has helped Morocco grind out results.