SOUTH AFRICA U-20 team coach Letsoaka Serame has doubted any challenge from the five-time record champions, Nigeria in next year’s Africa youth championship due in Kigali, Rwanda.

Serame who was speaking to Goal.com recently said that he is not scared of Nigeria who are already regarded as favorite in Group B which also has Ivory Coast and Fifa Under-20 World Cup hosts Egypt.

"I think I have their number worked out to the tee. And the last time we met in an official match, we were leading them 2-0 when they rallied strongly to draw 2-2,” Serame said, adding that pressure is on Nigeria to beat South Africa and not the other way round.

Serame further added that everybody from the players, technical staff and Nigerians expect them to beat us (South Africa).

"The challenge is on the Nigerians and I think they are wary of us. I think Cote d’Ivoire would be a thrilling match largely because they have always produced excellent youth players because of their fantastic Youth Academies,” Serame said.

Rwanda, Mali, Cameroon and Ghana are drawn in Group A and their fixtures will be played at Amahoro stadium while Nigeria, Egypt South Africa and Ivory Coast will use Nyamirambo’s Regional stadium.

Rwanda open the competition against Mali at Amahoro stadium on January 18, 2009 before another cracker sees Ghana taking on arch rivals Cameroon. It will be the first time a tournament of such magnitude will be played in the Cecafa region.

The Caf U-20 African Championship is held every two years with the top 4 teams qualifying for the Fifa World Youth Championship.

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