U-20 AFCON Niger 2019: South Africa dare Nigeria in Group A
As the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Niger 2019 kicks off this weekend in Niamey, South Africa’s Amajita believes they have what it takes to toppled Nigeria in Group A of the tournament to be sure of a place in this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
Having missing a continental title over the years, South Africa is aiming to break their continental title drought having dominated the Southern part of the continent after their two back-to-back COSAFA U-20 titles that saw them secure a spot in Niger Republic.
Amajita’s best finish was in 1997 which was their debut in the competition and the Coach Thabo Senong is full of optimism heading to Niger Republic.
Being their eighth appearance, South Africa will face a Herculean task having been drawn in the same group as hosts Niger, Burundi and tournament favourites, Nigeria.
Already, the 38-year-old coach had set a target of fourth-place finish which guarantees a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland later in the year.
However, undone with this lofty dream, Senong is eager to guide his lads to number one finish in Group A ahead of Nigeria.
Armed with an array of promising youngsters, Senong will be looking at raising the bar even higher this time around following their last four finish in Zambia two years ago.
Amajita’s skilful Promise Mkhuma who was voted player of the tournament in the recent COSAFA U-20 Championship in Zambia 2018 believes they are not going to limit their ability in the competition particularly against tournament favourite – Nigeria.
“Our primary objective is to reach the final four, which will guarantee us a place in this year’s World Cup. Once that is achieved, we will shift our focus in pushing our way into this year’s AFCON final, and possibly winning it for the nation. Our intention is to continue with this habit of grinding out positive results for the nation” said Mkhuma.
The forward believes their triumph at the COSAFA Cup has prepared them well for the ties in the Group particularly the February 5 clash against Nigeria.
“Every match we played in COSAFA was a preparation clash for this year’s Africa Under-20 AFCON. We went all four matches in last year’s COSAFA edition without a single defeat, and we were very happy with that.
“Defending the COSAFA title was a great confidence booster for us and everybody is just fired up to do well against our opponents in Niger Republic. We want to qualify for this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup Poland” Mkhuma added.