The 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals begin today, the first match of the day pits Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets against the Junior Sylis of Guinea.
The Guineans are the only surviving team from the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup in India, and will be facing a big hurdle in the last four of the competition in a Nigerian side, yet to taste defeat so far.
Guinea trainer, Mohamed Camara said he is not bothered about facing the two-time winners of the competition.
“We will face Nigeria with confidence as our target is to play in the final and we are fully prepared for the tough semifinal duel with Nigeria.
“We are gunning for success and the appetite to push harder as well as the confidence among my players is growing each day. We are prepared to win this game, and we will do it in appreciation of the support that we are getting back home and other parts of the world,” Camara said.
The Junior Sylis finished third in the 2015 and 2017 edition, and are looking to go a step further.
Nigeria’s assistant coach Baruwa Olatunji believes his side can emulate the successes of the 2001 and 2007 teams.
“Our desire and ambition is to go beyond this level. We have qualified for the FIFA u-17 World Cup and now we want to win this title. We won’t make it unless we knockout Guinea and go to the final,” Baruwa Olatunji said.
The winner will face either Cameroon or Angola who play later in the day in the other semifinal for the right to contest the final on Sunday.