U20 AFCON: ‘We will fight for Mozambique against Nigeria’ – Coach Dario Monteiro

Coach Dario Monteiro is confident his Young Mambas will put up a fight in honour of Mozambique when they face Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the last Group game at the ongoing AFCON U-20 in Egypt.

The Young Mambas who were totally outclassed by the Young Teranga Lions of Senegal in their second group A game need a win against Nigeria to advance in the competition.

They have one point from two games after playing a barren draw in their first Group game against the hosts, Egypt.

Dario Monteiro and his Young Mambas face a tough task against Nigeria U-20 who themselves must avoid any form of defeat to also secure a place in the next round.

“We are now preparing to face Nigeria on Saturday. The match is not easy, but we are holding on to our chance to rise and we will fight for victory. It is now clear, either we win or we return to our country,” Monteiro told journalists at his post-match conference.

“We performed well in the first half and prevented Senegal from scoring any goal. We also took the initiative to attack and tried to score, but we did not take advantage of the opportunity.

“The situation was completely different in the second half, and the team could not continue to resist the Senegal attack. We have to admit that the Senegal national team is very strong and we have more time to reach their level.”

On Saturday, Nigeria U-20 will play Mozambique U-20 for a place in the next round.

There are three groups in this tournament, the two top teams from each group will make it to the next round, and will be joined by the two best losers.