Latest news with #Amajimbos
CAF
29-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Khumalo eyes U-17 World Cup knockout stage for South Africa
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 South Africa's U-17 national team coach Vela Khumalo has welcomed the challenge posed by Group A opponents at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, saying his team's goal is clear: progress from the group stage and make a deeper run in the tournament. The draw, which was held in Doha on 25 May, placed Amajimbos alongside hosts Qatar, European heavyweights Italy, and Bolivia in what promises to be a compelling group. Reacting to the draw, Khumalo reflected on the opportunities that the group presents for his team and the development of South African youth football. 'It's a very interesting group. It's very intriguing,' said Khumalo. 'It's good for our development of the youngsters. It's important for South Africa to get out of the group stage and go for the later stages. If we can do that, we will have played our part.' South Africa will open their campaign against the hosts Qatar in front of what is expected to be a packed home crowd before taking on Italy, one of Europe's traditional youth football powers. Their final group fixture will be against Bolivia, a side known for producing technically skilled players. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 marks a new chapter in the tournament's history, with 48 teams participating for the first time. Set to kick off on 3 November, the expanded format adds new complexity and excitement to the global showcase of youth talent. South Africa will be relying on key performers from their recent U-17 AFCON campaign, where they impressed with their high-intensity play and tactical discipline under Khumalo's guidance. While navigating Group A won't be easy, Khumalo's focus on mental readiness and competitive growth is evident. 'This group gives our players the chance to test themselves against top talent on the world stage,' he said. 'We're preparing not just to participate, but to compete and progress.' As anticipation builds across the continent, South Africa's young stars now know their path. With the backing of a passionate nation and the leadership of a determined coach, Amajimbos will hope to make their mark in Qatar.
CAF
10-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco overpower South Africa to reach TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON semi-finals
Published: Thursday, 10 April 2025 Host nation Morocco continued their impressive run at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, overpowering South Africa 3-1 on Thursday evening in Mohammedia to secure their place in the semi-finals. Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Stade El Bachir, the Atlas Cubs were clinical when it mattered most, with Ziyad Baha scoring twice in a dominant second-half display after the teams went into the break with the Moroccans holding a slender 1-0 lead. The win sees Morocco take a giant step towards their dream of lifting the title on home soil, as they now look ahead to a tough last-four encounter. Bright start sets the tone The hosts looked dangerous from the outset, with striker Ziyad Baha drawing an early save before Ismail El Aoud found the breakthrough in the 13th minute, smashing home from close range after a rebound. Despite Morocco's strong start, South Africa showed resilience. Neo Bohloko brought the Amajimbos level in the 54th minute, rising to head in a pinpoint cross from Emile Witbooi. The goal sparked brief hope for the visitors, who had grown into the match after weathering early pressure. Baha brilliance turns the tide Just as South Africa began to settle, Morocco responded with purpose. Within two minutes of the equaliser, Baha latched onto a headed pass from El Aoud to fire Morocco back in front in the 61st minute. The forward then doubled his tally with another cool finish from Abdellah Ouazane's through ball a minute later. From there, Morocco remained in control, repelling South Africa's advances with organised defending and launching swift counterattacks. Chouaib Bellaarouch produced two key saves to deny Oageng Lebesane and Witbooi late in the second half, preserving Morocco's advantage. Home crowd spurs Atlas Cubs forward As the clock ticked down, the hosts managed the game with maturity beyond their years, frustrating South Africa's desperate attempts to get back into the tie. Baha, El Aoud, and Belmokhtar remained a constant threat on the break, while Morocco's backline absorbed pressure with composure. South Africa made several substitutions to inject energy into their attack, but Morocco's structure and physicality proved too much. With this victory, Morocco becomes the second team to confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the competition, joining Burkina Faso who advanced earlier in the day after thrashing Zambia 6-1. As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, Morocco's blend of attacking flair and defensive organisation will make them serious contenders for the U-17 AFCON crown.
CAF
10-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON – Morocco vs South Africa: The Lion Cubs take on skilful Amajimbos
Having qualified without conceding a single goal, Morocco approaches their quarter-final against South Africa with both ambition and caution. In front of them stand a determined Amajimbos, ready to bring down the host nation. At home, in a buzzing El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Morocco aims to cement its status as favourites. Unbeaten, solid at the back, and creative up front, the Lion Cubs impressed in the group stage. But in the quarter-finals, against a South African side hungry for an upset, there's no room for error. "We're entering a different kind of competition', admits Morocco coach Nabil Baha. "It's now knockout football. We need to stay clear-headed and play with intensity. We respect South Africa, but we don't adapt to anyone. It's up to them to find the answers. South Africa out to overcome Morocco… Again The shadow of the senior TotalEnergies CAF AFCON looms over this clash. Back in January, South Africa knocked Morocco out. And U-17 coach Vela Khumalo hasn't forgotten: "Our senior team did it, our Banyana Banyana (women's team) did it too. Why not us? Morocco is strong, but we've studied their game closely. We want to cause an upset', said Khumalo. A Clash of Styles This quarter-final pits two footballing philosophies against each other. Morocco: structured, patient, confident in their strength. South Africa: more direct, attacking, and unpredictable with their skill up front. "We were too soft defensively in the group stage. We've corrected that. Morocco is well-organised – but so are we. We're not here to be walkovers." Physically, South Africa hope to leverage their freshness and pressing game. Morocco, on the other hand, will rely on their well-oiled patterns and dominant midfield. The Nation's Expectation Morocco is playing at home. And while that's undeniably an advantage, it also comes with added expectations. "We want to bring this trophy home for our people', insists player Daoues. But coach Baha offers a more measured view: "Yes, there's more pressure – but also more support. The crowd can lift us. It's up to us to rise to the occasion'.
CAF
08-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Quarter-final line-up confirmed as knockout stage begins in Morocco
Published: Tuesday, 08 April 2025 The stage is set for the quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, following the conclusion of the group phase in Morocco. With eight of the continent's brightest youth sides now through to the knockouts — and earning a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, attention turns to four high-stakes matches that will decide who advances to the semi-finals. Burkina Faso emerged as one of the standout performers of the group stage, finishing with a perfect record of three wins from three. The Baby Stallions will launch the quarter-final action on Thursday, April 10, when they meet Southern African challengers Zambia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca (17:00 GMT). Later that evening, hosts Morocco—buoyed by home support and a dominant 5-0 win over Uganda—will take on a resilient South African side in Mohammedia (20:00 GMT). The North Africans will look to maintain momentum, but the Amajimbos, who impressed with attacking flair in the group stage, are eyeing a major upset. On Friday, April 11, Tunisia and Mali go head-to-head in El Jadida (20:00 GMT) in a clash of tactically disciplined teams. Both sides have shown solid defensive organisation, and the match could hinge on a moment of individual brilliance. The final fixture of the round promises fireworks as Côte d'Ivoire, the tournament's most prolific attacking side, take on defending champions Senegal in Berrechid (17:00 GMT). With both sides packed with emerging talent and tournament pedigree, the encounter is widely billed as the tie of the round. At this stage, there are no second chances. The quarter-finals mark the beginning of the win-or-go-home phase, where ambition meets pressure and only the strongest survive. For the young players involved, this tournament is more than just continental glory—it is a chance to put themselves on the radar of scouts and clubs across the globe. As the competition moves into the business end, the focus sharpens on which team will rise to the occasion and take a step closer to lifting the coveted U-17 AFCON trophy. 🔥 Quarter-Final Fixtures: TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Date Match Venue Time (GMT) Thursday, 10 April Burkina Faso vs Zambia Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca 17:00 Morocco vs South Africa El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia 20:00 Friday, 11 April Côte d'Ivoire vs Senegal Municipal Stadium, Berrechid 17:00 Tunisia vs Mali El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida 20:00
CAF
03-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Stunning start to TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2025
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations action kicked off with in exceptional fashion. After just eight matches, 34 goals have already been scored, averaging an astonishing 4.25 goals per game. In comparison, the 2023 edition had a much more modest average of 1.4 goals per match. This spectacular progression reflects a free-flowing style of football, where young African talents dare to attack and break down opposing defences. This observation is shared by Bassiriki Diabaté, the coach of Côte d'Ivoire: "You know, with young players, there are no calculations, no restraint. That's what we love, and it drives us to invest in football development. With them, it's pure madness, everything goes in every direction, no one is trying to hold back, it's total football." Cote d'Ivorie's Festival and the Incredible comeback of Amajimbos This playing philosophy was particularly evident in Côte d'Ivoire's commanding victory over the Central African Republic (6-1). A match where Alynho Haidara made a strong impression by scoring a quadruple. "I'm very happy to have contributed to this win. Every goal mattered to us, and I'm proud of how we played collectively," said the young Ivorian prodigy after the match. However, the most dramatic scenario goes to the South Africans. Trailing 3-1 in the 30th minute against Egypt, Amajimbos found the mental and physical resources to turn the game around and win 4-3. A true demonstration of character praised by their coach, Vela Khumalo: "This victory shows the resilience of our team. We proved that despite the difficulties, we can bounce back and achieve the impossible." Three consecutive goals, a tense finish, and a captivated crowd: the South Africans sent a strong signal. Loukman Tapsoba's Masterpiece While the tournament is full of goals and suspense, it also offers moments of brilliance. One such moment came from Loukman Tapsoba. The Burkinabe striker from Réal du Faso scored what will likely be remembered as one of the most beautiful goals of the competition. From the centre circle, he unleashed a pure, powerful shot that sailed over the opposing goalkeeper. A gem that electrified the El Arbi Zaouli stadium. Burkina Faso can count on this raw talent for the rest of the competition. With such audacity, Tapsoba could well be one of the standout players of this tournament, which, after just a few days, is already promising to be unforgettable.
