At the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON U20, Mattias Deguenon claims that his team’s goal is to advance to the Indonesia FIFA World Cup.

Before Tuesday’s Group C opening in Alexandria against Zambia, the team’s trainer made these remarks.

Deguenon feels at home in Egypt, and the West Africans are back in the competition after a lengthy hiatus.

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The Cheetahs will be trying to repeat their 2005 performance, when they defeated Morocco on penalties and won bronze on home soil.

“We came here (Egypt) in November, we prepared against the Pharaohs,” Deguenon said. “We are in a good hotel, the reception conditions are there.”

“Our goal is to finish in the last four of the tournament. We want to qualify for the World Cup.”

Benin participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, and they hope to return to the tournament this year, which will be held in Indonesia.

“It would be a moral satisfaction for its young people who must show themselves to the world. We are working hard for that.

“We want to go step by step to achieve our goals”.

The tactician says coaching the national team is an honour and a privilege.

“It is a personal satisfaction to be in this position, to defend the country and to put young players in the best possible position to win.”

Captain Ouorou Tamimou says the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is the platform for young players to be seen.

“Like all players, I want to make myself visible in this competition,” Ouorou said.

“We are in the process of building and each player will play their part. We want to qualify for the World Cup.”