Senegal and Mali will both
look to end their 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup tournaments on a high when they meet in an all-African third-place playoff in Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium tomorrow, kick-off at 03h30 CAT.
Both sides have enjoyed excellent campaigns in New Zealand, with their hopes of winning the tournament shattered by defeats in the semifinals. Senegal were crushed 5-0 by Brazil, while Serbia needed extra time to defeat Mali for the second time in the competition, having also beaten the West Africans in the group phase.
Mali coach Fanyeri Diarra wants his side to claim third place, and paid tribute to the courage of his players after the narrow defeat to Serbia in the semis.
“They [the players] were really brave all match long though and now I really want third-place for them,” said Diarra.
“We will do everything to make that happen for our team and our people. Everyone back home has been really happy with our success during this tournament, mainly because it has been quite an unexpected story.”
Senegal mentor Joseph Koto, meanwhile, chose to focus on his team’s strengths and the achievement of reaching the final four, rather than concern himself with their heavy defeat to Brazil.
“It has been a great adventure and achievement for us with this being the first time we have ever qualified at this level. Our goal on arrival was to get out of the group stage and we did that,” said Koto.
“We have done very well and only lost one match due to our lack of experience. Our team has had a good attitude and God has helped us in our victories.”
The teams met in the semifinals of the CAF U-20 Championships in Senegal earlier this year, with the home side walking away 2-1 victors thanks to a brace from Moussa Kone.