Senegal are chasing a first ever major continental title against a Nigerian hoping eyeing a record extending seventh title as the curtains on the 19th edition of the African U-20 Championship folds up.

The two sides will square up in the ultimate game of the competition, which has been highlighted by two-weeks of high class and entertaining football by the some of the finest youth talents in African football.

The encounter is a repeat of the tournament opener which the Flying Eagles of Nigeria won 3-1, with a performance that earned them the favourites tag for the title. However, ‘Les Lionceaux’ have since recovered from that poor start and bagged Senegal’s first ever win in the history of the championship, a 4-3 win over Congo, which not only landed them a place at the last four, also the 2-15 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, joining Nigeria, Ghana and Mali.

The hosts will go on to mastermind one of the biggest shocks, beating the highly-rated Eaglets of Mali 2-1 in the semis and set up a date with Nigeria in the decisive match on Sunday, 22 March 2015 at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium.

The secret behind the successful journey of ‘Les Lionceaux’ has been the ‘never give-up’ spirit of Joseph Koto and his charges, coupled with the huge support of the local faithful, who have stood firmly behind the team from the onset.

Despite three triumphs in the African Beach Soccer Championship – 2008, 2011 & 2013; Senegal has yet inscribe its name on a major continental trophy, and Koto believes this generation can break that jinx by completing their fairytale story with an upset against the Nigerians.

The Flying Eagles still start as favourites, but Koto is targeting a sweet revenge that will land him the ultimate or congratulate the Nigerians if the results go the other way. With the Nigeria squad dominated by members of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning team, the Senegal trainer admits his players are short of experience but believes in their abilities to deliver in the biggest game of their young careers.

“I firmly believe in the players. At the beginning, they were under pressure since it was the first time they were playing at an African championship. After achieving qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, they are now liberated and against Mali they produced their best game.

“The final is a party and the big day and I expect them to be at ease since they will be playing in front of their fans. Senegal needs an African title and I’m urging all the fans to come to the stadium and rally behind the boys to achieve victory. Our celebration won’t be complete without the title.

“I’m happy to meet Nigeria again and this is an opportunity to judge whether they are better than us. If they beat us again, then I will congratulate them,” said Koto, who welcomes defender Alassane Sylla back from suspension.

On the otherhand, Nigeria coach Manu Garba is upbeat their chances against the host nation, who will have the support of the entire country.

“We will not go back to Nigeria without the trophy. Senegal has done very well to recover from that opening day loss and reach the final. We are ready for them and they cannot stop us.

“Before we arrived in Senegal, we made it clear that we want to go to the FIFA U-20 World Cup as African Champions, and we are on course to achieving that target. The final is the most important game of my team at the tournament. It is important for the careers of the players and us coaches, and we will take this opportunity with both hands,” said Garba.

The Flying Eagles are bent on avoiding a third defeat at the final after 1999 and 2007, where they lost 1-0 incidentally to hosts Ghana and Congo.

Familiar foes, Ghana and Mali will square off in the third-place match, just before the final also at the same venue. Mali won 1-0 in the previous meeting between the two sides at the group phase.

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