The U17 Lions have won over their fans. With just days to go before the kickoff of the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, coach Lamine Sané sought to reassure everyone about his team’s form. “We’ve been building momentum match by match… Trust this team,” he said during a press conference on Thursday, May 22, 2026. His remarks come as the young African footballers step up their intensive training ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by Algeria.
According to the coach, this gradual improvement is the result of rigorous work. “Every game has helped us progress, better understand our strengths and weaknesses,” he explained. The U17 Lions played three friendly matches against European sides, securing one win and two draws. These results, Sané believes, show the team’s collective strength. “We’ve shown adaptability and improvement—that’s what matters ahead of the big event,” he stressed. Lamine Sané also emphasized the importance of mindset. “Mental strength is just as crucial as physical ability. These players show remarkable maturity for their age,” he said. He went on to highlight the legacy of African football, noting that many talents developed in Africa have gone on to shine on the global stage. “We want to prove that the continent can still produce champions,” he added. With several players already plying their trade in Europe, the U17 Lions are seen as one of the teams to watch. The competition kicks off on May 25, 2026. The Lions will face Morocco in their opener—a tough opponent—before taking on Guinea and Senegal. For Sané, every match is a step toward the ultimate goal: lifting the trophy. “We’ll play with ambition, but also with humility,” he concluded. Fans are encouraged to rally behind the team. “Your support will give us wings,” the coach said. The U17 Lions are aiming to pull off a surprise and carve out another chapter in African football history.
Fréderic Manet · 23 mai 2026 · 2 min de lecture
