MATCH FACTS: Zambia take on debutants Sierra Leone in Group A opener at TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations
Zambia will face debutants Sierra Leone in their opening Group A game of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Sunday (kick-off 18:00 local time / 16:00 GMT).
The 2017 champions Zambia are facing a tournament debutant for only the second time after South Africa in the 1997 group stages, a game they lost 2-1.
Since 1991, when the tournament took on its current guise, this will be Zambia's 21st meeting with a West African nation. Their record reads P20 W4 D6 L10.
Three of Zambia's four wins against WAFU member nations came on home soil in the 2017 finals when they defeated Guinea 1-0 and Mali 6-1 in the group stages, and then defeated Senegal 2-0 in the final.
Zambia's only other win since 1991 against a west African team was a 6-2 group stage success against Guinea in 1999.
Their biggest win against a WAFU member nation was that 6-1 triumph over Mali in the 2017 group stages.
ZAMBIA FACTS
· Zambia first featured in the Under-20 continental competition in 1985 and this is their 11th qualification.
· They were winners on home soil in 2017, defeating Senegal in the final. They have been semi-finalists three other times, in 1991, 1999 and 2007.
· Aside from their 2017 win, they have ended fourth in 1991, 1999 and 2007.
· Zambia exited the tournament winless in their last appearance in 2023 (D1 L2).
· Zambia failed to win their opening game at their last appearance in 2023, drawing 1-1 against Benin. In 2017 they defeated Guinea first up on their way to the title, while prior to that in 2015 and 2007 they lost to Mali 1-0 and Nigeria 4-2.
· Since 1991, Zambia have won their opening game twice, in 1999 and 2017 against Malawi 1-0 and Guinea also 1-0 (D3 L3).
· In their last nine group games spanning their last three tournament appearances, Zambia's record reads P9 W3 D1 L5. All three wins came in 2017 on home soil. They lost all three group games in 2015 and lost two in 2023 while drawing the other.
· Zambia have conceded a goal in each of their last five group games at the finals. They last kept a clean sheet in a group game in their opening game in 2017 against Guinea in a 1-0.
· Their clean-sheet against Guinea in their opening group game in 2017 is their only one at the group stages in their last nine group games.
· Zambia qualified for the finals by ending as runners up to South Africa at the 2024 COSAFA U20 Championships. They lost 2-0 in the final.
SIERRA LEONE FACTS
· Sierra Leone are one of two debutants at the current finals and will become the 43rd team to feature at the finals.
· They become the 14th WAFU member nation, only two other members, Cabo Verde and Guinea Bissau, have not qualified for the finals.
· They came through the WAFU A qualifying tournament, which was hosted in September 2024 in Liberia as runners-up in the final to Senegal.
· In the qualifiers they drew 0-0 against Guinea then defeated Liberia 3-1 and Guinea Bissau 1-0 in the group stages, before a 3-0 win over Gambia in the semi-finals. They lost to Senegal in the final.
· Momoh Kamara was their top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
15 hours ago
- CAF
Al Ahly eye global upset in star-studded FIFA Club World Cup
African giants Al Ahly SC are once again preparing to showcase their pedigree on the global stage as they gear up for the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The Egyptian powerhouse and record African champions , will enter the tournament aiming to translate their continental dominance into international recognition. Drawn into one of the tournament's most high-profile groups, Al Ahly will face Inter Miami (USA), Palmeiras (Brazil), and FC Porto (Portugal) in what promises to be a stern test of their credentials in Group A. Despite the glamour surrounding Inter Miami — a club boasting global icons like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets — Al Ahly will be equally confident as one of the best African clubs who are also not new to the Club World Cup. The American side, while heavy on star power, still lacks the cohesion and high-level tournament experience that Al Ahly have developed through decades of continental competition. However, it's Palmeiras and FC Porto who may pose more systemic threats. Palmeiras, the reigning Brazilian champions, bring relentless intensity, tactical organisation, and depth — hallmarks of modern South American football. FC Porto, a storied European club with a reputation for technical precision and youth development, offer another layer of challenge with their quick passing game and European match temperament. Now under the leadership of Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who took over the reins just a few weeks ago after a successful tenure with Orlando Pirates in South Africa, Al Ahly have the added advantage of a coach who knows how to win cup competitions. Emam Ashour has emerged as a central figure in this tactical setup, contributing 9 goals and 4 assists so far this season. His energy and creativity will be vital in unlocking opposition defences. Slovenian forward Nejc Gradisar has brought versatility and flair to the frontline, while fan favourites Afsha and Taher Mohamed continue to offer consistent offensive threat. Al Ahly have built a reputation for overachieving on the world stage, including multiple third-place finishes at past Club World Cups. While Group A is undoubtedly challenging, the Cairo club's rich tournament experience, tactical cohesion, and winning mentality make them a potential dark horse. Al Ahly SC FIFA Club World Cup Group A Fixtures: Sunday, 15 June: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami - 00h00 GMT Thursday, 19 June: Palmeiras vs Al Ahly – 16h00 GMT Tuesday, 24 June: FC Porto vs Al Ahly – 01h00 GMT
CAF
3 days ago
- CAF
CAF launches exciting TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Webinar series on Monday
Published: Monday, 09 June 2025 The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) will on Monday launch the first of three webinars for media titled the 'TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight'. The series will give media insights from leading players ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 that will be staged from July 5-26. The first session, to be held at 15:00 GMT, will be for French-speaking media and contains a star-studded line-up of players, along with moderator Katty Toure . The following players will take part: Sofia Guellati (Algeria): A centre-back for the Algeria national team and French side EA Guingamp. Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo): The DR Congo goalkeeper lifted the CAF Women's Champions League title with TP Mazembe in 2024. Agueisha Diarra (Mali): A forward for the Mali national team and Paris St-Germain. Safietou Sagna (Senegal): An attacking midfielder for the Senegal national team and US Saint-Malo. Chaima Abbassi (Tunisia): A defender for the Tunisia national team and NEOM, who she helped to the league title in Saudi Arabia this season. Set to take place over three seperate segments, there will also be webinars in Arabic (16 June) and English (23 June). The series will feature some of the continent's leading footballers alongside influential media voices in a compelling, multilingual format. Some of the other international women's football stars who will take part include reigning CAF Women's Footballer of the year Barbra Banda (Zambia), Doha El Madani (Morocco) and Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa). The sessions are designed to highlight Africa's deep reservoir of talent and celebrate the unique stories of players who are driving the women's game forward across the globe. Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
4 days ago
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON: Senegal Team Profile
Published: Monday, 09 June 2025 How the team qualified The Lionesses of Teranga booked their place at the finals by defeating Egypt in the second round of qualifiers. They secured a convincing 4–0 victory in the first leg in Thiès, followed by a goalless draw in Cairo to confirm their ticket to the final tournament in Morocco. TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON history This will be Senegal's third appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON finals, following 2012 and 2022 participations. In the most recent edition, held in Morocco, the Lionesses reached the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Zambia in a penalty shootout (4–2). Players to watch Ndeye Awa Diakhaté: A forward for Olympique de Marseille, she scored Senegal's first ever goal in a TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON final stage during the 2022 tournament. Quick, skilful, and with excellent positioning, she is a constant threat to opposing defences. Her experience in France has helped elevate her game, making her one of the key attacking assets for the Lionesses. Korka Fall: At 35, she plays for SM Caen and captained the team during the 2023 WAFU tournament, which the Lionesses won. A solid presence in midfield, she brings stability, physicality, and leadership. Her vision and ability to dictate play make her a crucial figure in Senegal's setup. The Head Coach Mame Moussa Cissé guided the Lionesses to the quarterfinals of the 2022 edition and now aims for further progress. A meticulous tactician, he focuses on squad stability, the development of young talent, and improved attacking efficiency to take the team to the next level. Ambitions and Group Analysis Senegal have been drawn in Group A, alongside hosts Morocco, 2022 bronze medallists Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's a competitive group where every match promises to be tightly contested. Building on their encouraging 2022 campaign, the Lionesses of Teranga enter this edition with high ambitions. The coaching staff has set a clear objective: to reach at least the semi-finals. They will rely on the experience of veterans like Korka Fall and the attacking prowess of players like Diakhaté. Against strong opposition, Senegal will need to show discipline, unity, and tactical intelligence to establish themselves as serious contenders in the tournament.
