Latest news with #Amajimbos'
CAF
03-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: Five players who shone on the first day
The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations got off to an emphatic start. CAFOnline takes a look at five players who stood out after Match Day 1. Alynho Haïdara - 16 years old - Forward - Côte d'Ivoire With his four goals, Alynho Haïdara leads the top scorers list after the first day of the competition. "I play for my teammates, and they repay me well," he explained after lighting up the field during the match against the Central African Republic, a game that Côte d'Ivoire won 6-1. His performance, marked by his speed and goal-scoring instinct, dazzled spectator. Playing for the Ivorian club Mainz de Jacqueville, Haïdara demonstrated excellent chemistry with his attacking partners. His agility and game vision helped Côte d'Ivoire dominate the match and quickly extend their lead. Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba - 15 years old - Forward - Burkina Faso His name might evoke those of champions proudly representing Africa, such as Ashraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, and Edmond Tapsoba. At just 15 years old, Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba is already emerging as a promising talent in continental football. A long-range shot full of precision, a clever lob to present himself to the world, and here's the player from Réal du Faso ready to make his mark on the competition. Every movement from this prodigy on the field is a demonstration of technical mastery, game vision, and a confidence that defies his age. Emile Witbooi - 16 years old - Midfielder - South Africa At 16, Emile Witbooi isn't just following in the footsteps of great African talents; he's ahead of them. During Amajimbos' 4-3 victory over Egypt, he shone brightly, scoring a goal and providing an assist. This double impact helped his team secure the epic win. His technical mastery and game intelligence made a strong impression. His ability to manipulate the ball with such finesse and organize the play led some observers to compare him to the legendary Jay-Jay Okocha, due to his talent for dictating the pace of the game and creating opportunities. Vincent Gomis - 17 years old - Goalkeeper - Senegal Senegal has a title to defend, and Vincent Gomis is determined to do everything to achieve that. With an outstanding performance, the young goalkeeper was impenetrable during his team's first match, allowing the Lionceaux de la Teranga to keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory against Gambia. Despite the pressure of defending the continental title, Gomis didn't falter. His decisive interventions, especially on chances from the Young Scorpions, reassured his team and showed that they could rely on a top-class goalkeeper. His game reading, ability to anticipate opponent shots, and commanding presence in the air make him one of the continent's best young goalkeepers. Ilies Belkhmotar - 16 years old - Right winger - Morocco The first goal scorer of the competition, Ilies Belkhmotar, clearly displayed his ambition to shine on home soil. In his debut match, the Moroccan forward made an impression by scoring a decisive brace in Morocco's resounding 5-0 victory over Uganda. His ability to find space and accuracy in finishing made him one of the most noticeable players on the first day.
CAF
14-02-2025
- Sport
- CAF
SA U-17 coach Vela Khumalo weighs in on TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON draw outcome
Head coach of the South African U-17 national team, Vela Khumalo has reacted to the draw outcome of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Draw that was conducted in Cairo on Thursday, 13 February. The continental showpiece, which serves as a qualifier to this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup will take place in Morocco between 30 March - 19 April. The draw, which was conducted by former Mali international Adama Coulibaly and ex-Senegalese star Souleymane Camara saw 'Amajimbos' drawn in a Group B that Khumalo described as 'Intriguing'. The South Africans take on last edition's bronze-medallists Burkina Faso, 2009 champions Egypt, as well as the winners of the UNIFFAC Qualifiers to be confirmed in due course. Reacting to the draw, Khumalo who also doubles as Kaizer Chiefs FC youth coach said the draw was both interesting and intriguing, adding that the confirmation of the UNIFFAC team would help them fine-tune their preparations. 'This is a very interesting group. Very intriguing as well. At the same time, one is still hanging in there to see who the other team will be. Is it Cameroon, Congo, Central Africa Republic or Gabon. At the moment we still waiting but very interesting group and we look forward to getting the finalisation and seeing the fourth team and take it from there', said Khumalo. This year's edition marks South Africa's fifth participation, having come short of lifting the title in 2015 when they were narrowly edged by Mali in the final in Niamey, Niger.
