The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling final between Senegal and Morocco at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Algeria, in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023.The two sides have been among the most consistent performers in the competition. The final will kick off at midnight EAT and will be watched in several parts of Africa.##NAJAVA_MECA_7261722##Gracing the final for the first time ever, the competition is set to have a first-time winner either way.Senegal progressed to the final after seeing off Burkina Faso via post-match penalties in the semis. The two teams had played out to a one-all draw in regular time. Morocco equally progressed via post-match post-kicks after a barren draw against Mali in regulation time.Ahead of the final, Morocco’s head coach, Said Chiba, lauded Senegal, labeling them as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.”This will be a competitive match. Senegal is one of the strongest teams in the tournament. They know us well, and we know them well too. We will take our chances and give our best in the game,” Chiba told CAF’s website.”Senegal has a lot of talent in the squad. Information on both teams is available, and we also know each other, so there are no secrets. The friendly matches gave us an idea about each other.”⚽ Jour de match | 🇲🇦 Maroc 🆚 Sénégal 🇸🇳🕗 22h 🇲🇦 23h 🇫🇷📺 En direct sur CAF TV (Youtube)⚽ Finale de la CAN U17 2023🏟 Stade Nelson Mandela – Alger 🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/IAx71GHfuM— DM SPORT (@dmsportma) May 19, 2023 His Senegal counterpart, Saliou Dia, equally noted that they are facing a tough side but added that they are focused on lifting the title.”It will be a good match. Morocco is performing well and achieving good results. We will do all we can to win the title, and we will come up with a good game plan to ensure we counter their weak points and contain their strong points. This match is special. It is about making history,” the coach said.”The players have to be motivated right before the match, and when we get to the field, we have to see what we can do”.Road to the finalSenegal dominated Group A, defeating Congo (1-0), Algeria (3-0), and Somalia (3-0). The Lion Cubs of Teranga knocked out South Africa (5-0) in the quarterfinals before facing Burkina Faso (1-1) in the semi-finals, where a penalty shootout (5-4) decided the match.Morocco also had a similar path to the final. They finished top of their group ahead of Nigeria, whom they beat 1-0, South Africa (2-0), and Zambia (2-1). In the quarterfinals, they eliminated hosts Algeria (3-0). In the semis, they were held by Mali 0-0 and needed the penalties to advance (6-5).Kapenguria Heroes out to reclaim Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom glory
