Senegal coach hails Falconets strength in W’Cup qualifier defeat
Senegal's U-20 women's coach commended Nigeria's Falconets after their team's aggregate defeat in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Mbayang Thiam, the head coach of Senegal’s U-20 women's football team, recognized the superior performance of Nigeria's Falconets after her team lost 3-1 on aggregate in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The decisive victory included a 2-1 away defeat for Senegal, allowing Nigeria to maintain their consistent record of qualifying for every edition of the tournament since its establishment in 2002, underscoring their dominance in women's youth football.
Post-match, Thiam expressed her team’s expectations of a tough challenge against the Nigerian squad, which is well-known for its competitive history in both youth and senior levels. She acknowledged that facing a team with such rich experience added to the challenges her players encountered. Thiam emphasized the Nigerian team's competency and remarked that their familiarity with high-pressure situations contributed significantly to the outcome of the matches.
The discussions around the match performance also highlight a growing recognition of women's football in Africa, with Nigeria setting the standard for excellence in the region. The Falconets' continued success not only reflects their skill but also sheds light on the development of women's football, providing a platform for emerging teams such as Senegal to aspire to higher standards in future competitions.