South Africa and Mali prepare for Sunday’s Caf U-17 final
The 2015 African Under 17 Championship final will be contested between South Africa and Mali in Niamey on Sunday, with the two sides facing each other for a second time in this tournament.
Both countries came face to face during the group phase of the competition, drawing 2-2.
Although they shared the spoils, it was something of a moral victory for South Africa.
The Amajimbos had to come back from 2-0 down to secure the draw.
South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki says that meeting with Mali has provided his players with vital information ahead of the decider.
“We have played Mali before, and we know what to expect from them in tomorrow’s final,” Ntseki said.
“We have also sat down as a team and analyzed our strengths and weaknesses.
“The boys are ready for round two, and I am confident that we will have a good game tomorrow,” he added.
South Africa booked their place in the final with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the semi-finals.
The Malian Eaglets earned their place in Sunday’s showdown with a 2-1 semi-final win over Guinea.
No matter what happens in the final in Niamey, both South Africa and Mali already know they have accomplished one big achievement.
Both have qualified for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup which takes place in Chile in October. It is a point not lost on the South Africa coach.
“Playing in the final is a cherry on top for us, as our slogan coming to this tournament was ‘Road To Chile’ that we have done with flying colours. But it would be nice to go all the way,” said Molefi Ntseki.
The losing semi-finalists Nigeria and Guinea will also be in Chile, completing the four places that Africa will occupy at the global event.
Source :BBC