2023 African Games: Senegal’s Thiam acknowledges challenges after big loss to Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Senegal U-20 women’s national team coach, Mbayang Thiam, acknowledges the challenges ahead following their heavy defeat against Nigeria in the group stage of the 2023 African Games.

Goals from Loveth Edeh, Motunrayo Ezekiel, an own goal by Aicha Kales, and Chioma Olise lifted the Falconets to a 4-0 victory and a place in the semi-final of the women’s football event.

Despite the setback, Thiam remains focused on refining her young team’s performance.

“We didn’t see this heavy defeat coming. The results don’t reflect the game,” Thiam emphasized.

Thiam emphasizes the need for improvements in defense and attack, highlighting the team’s youth and the mental impact of the referee’s decisions.

With zero points from their first group game, Senegal still has their destiny in their hands.

They have to first cancel a two-goal deficit against Morocco in their deciding group clash after Nigeria had defeated Morocco 2-0 in their opening group match.

The Senegalese coach stressed the importance of learning from this defeat and bouncing back stronger in their upcoming matches.

“Our focus now is on regrouping and addressing the areas that need improvement. We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger in our next match against Morocco,” Thiam stated.

Senegal’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals remain alive, but they face a daunting task ahead against Morocco. Thiam and her team are determined to put in a better performance and secure a positive result to keep their tournament dreams alive.