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CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Abdul Hakim Sulemana: Ghana's rising star steps out of his brother's shadow
At the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, Ghana's Abdul Hakim Sulemana emerged as one of the tournament's breakout stars, showing the continent—and the world—that footballing brilliance runs deep in the Sulemana family. The 20-year-old winger not only captured hearts with his dazzling displays for the Black Satellites, but also proved he's no longer just 'Kamaldeen's younger brother.' With a Man of the Match performance in Ghana's opening game and a clutch penalty in the quarter-finals, Hakim's star is rising fast. Forged in Techiman, Sharpened in Dreams Born in Techiman in Ghana's Bono East region, Sulemana grew up in a household where football was more than just a pastime—it was a calling. His older brother, Kamaldeen Sulemana, now at English Premier League side Southampton, paved the path. Another brother, Abdul-Rauf, also played professionally. But Hakim has never been content with living in the shadows. 'We all played football in the compound, in the streets—Kamaldeen always pushed me,' he told 'He set the standard, but I want to go higher.' His journey began at Ghana's prestigious Right to Dream Academy, the same institution that developed stars like Mohammed Kudus, Majeed Waris, Ernest Nuamah and David Accam. The academy's holistic approach—focused on education, discipline, and football—shaped Hakim into a complete player and young man. From Ghana to Lyon to Randers Hakim's potential was clear. After excelling at Right to Dream, he joined Olympique Lyon's youth setup in France before sealing a move to Danish top-flight side Randers FC in 2024. The switch was seamless, aided by a familiar face—Fatah Abdirahman, a former Right to Dream coach, now assistant at Randers. 'Having someone who already knows your game makes a big difference,' Hakim said. 'It helped me settle quickly in Europe.' Although still breaking into the Randers first team, his experience at the U20 AFCON has enhanced his reputation. His performances in Egypt—including a late penalty equalizer against hosts Egypt in the quarter-finals—demonstrated maturity well beyond his years. Tournament Recognition and Global Buzz Ghana's U20 run may have ended in heartbreak, losing 5-4 on penalties to Egypt after a 2-2 draw, but Sulemana's stock soared. U20 head coach Desmond Ofei praised the youngster's mindset and impact. 'Hakim is fearless,' Ofei said. 'His size might fool you, but his courage, technical ability, and tactical intelligence make him indispensable.' CAF's Technical Study Group lauded his creativity, balance, and relentless work ethic—attributes reminiscent of Kamaldeen in his early days. And while comparisons are inevitable, Hakim welcomes them with confidence. 'I admire what Kamal has achieved, but I want to be known for my own journey,' he said. Carving His Own Legacy Kamaldeen has already played in the UEFA Champions League and represented Ghana at the World Cup. But Hakim insists the weight of expectation fuels his ambition rather than hinders it. 'Kamal always says, 'Work harder than everyone else.' That's what I live by,' he explained. Following Hakim's Man of the Match accolade against DR Congo, Kamaldeen tweeted: 'Proud of you, little bro. This is just the beginning.' Footballing dynasties are not uncommon in Africa—think the Ayews in Ghana, the Tourés in Côte d'Ivoire, or the Eto'os in Cameroon. But Hakim's rise feels uniquely personal: the shy younger sibling stepping into the arena, ready to be the headline act. The Road Ahead With Ghana missing out on a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, Hakim's next chapter returns to Europe, where scouts are watching. He's determined to earn more minutes at Randers and continue improving. 'My dream is to reach the Premier League, just like Kamal,' he said. 'But first, I want to become a regular at Randers and prove I can make a difference.' If his performances in Egypt are anything to go by, Hakim Sulemana won't be in anyone's shadow
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Egypt coach Nabih eyes U-20 AFCON title after World Cup qualification
Published: Tuesday, 13 May 2025 Egypt U-20 coach Osama Nabih says his side will 'fight with all our might' to win the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, after securing a dramatic World Cup qualification with victory over Ghana in the quarter-finals. The Pharaohs edged past the Black Satellites in a thrilling contest that ended 2-2 after extra time, before prevailing 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout in Suez on Monday night. The result not only sealed a place in the semi-finals but also booked Egypt's ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. 'Securing a World Cup ticket is the first part of our dream,' said Nabih. 'Now we will defend it with all our might, regardless of the obstacles.' Egypt's path to the last four has been far from smooth. A shock 4-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the group stage had put their campaign on the brink. But the young Pharaohs responded with grit, regrouping to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams before knocking out one of the tournament's most consistent sides in Ghana. 'We faced difficult moments in many forms,' Nabih admitted. 'After the loss to Sierra Leone, it required heroes. And our players proved they are warriors. They showed they were the most deserving of that World Cup ticket.' The Egypt coach also praised those who have stood behind the team during its rollercoaster journey, including Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, Egyptian FA president Hany Abo Rida, and the home fans who have turned out in numbers to back the team. 'I am very grateful to the champion players who honoured their country. A special salute goes to the great Egyptian fans,' Nabih said. Egypt now face a North African derby against Morocco in the semi-finals on Thursday at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo. The Atlas Lions progressed after edging Sierra Leone 1-0 in extra time. 'Morocco is a brotherly nation, but they stand in our path to the final,' said Nabih. 'We respect them, but we will give everything to reach the final and win this title. The journey is shorter now, but also more difficult.' With the home crowd behind them and momentum on their side, Egypt are daring to dream again.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
World Cup tickets at stake as Africa's best collide in U20 AFCON quarter-finals
The race for Africa's four coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 reaches a boiling point as the quarter-final matches of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations are played across three Egyptian cities on Monday. With a World Cup ticket guaranteed for each of the four semi-finalists, today's matches are no longer just about continental pride—they are about survival, legacy, and securing a place on the global stage. 'This is like a final,' Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubairu said ahead of his team's titanic clash with defending champions Senegal. 'We know what to expect. It's a big match for both teams because the winner is going to the World Cup. We must be disciplined and determined for the full 90 minutes.' The Flying Eagles, Africa's most decorated U-20 side with seven titles, enter the tie unbeaten but under scrutiny following a nervy 2-2 draw with Kenya. Their opponents, Senegal, stumbled early but revived their campaign with a decisive 2-0 win over DR Congo. It's a heavyweight battle with high stakes, as both sides know only victory will do. Later in Suez, hosts Egypt will carry a nation's hopes against high-flying Ghana. The Black Satellites, winners of Group C and former world champions themselves, arrive as favourites—but Egyptian coach Osama Nabih is banking on resilience and home support. 'We're going through difficult circumstances due to injuries and fatigue,' Nabih admitted. 'But we are armed with a fighting spirit and determined to make the fans happy. We know the importance of this match—it is our chance to qualify for the World Cup after 12 years.' Morocco, unbeaten in the group stage and firm title contenders, will face the competition's surprise package, Sierra Leone. The West Africans stunned Egypt 4-1 in the group stage and carry the hopes of a nation making its first U20 AFCON appearance. 'We respect Sierra Leone, but we know our strengths,' said Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi. 'We'll rely on our technique, combinations, and tactical organisation. We must stay true to our identity.' In Ismailia, South Africa's Amajita will take on DR Congo in what could be the most finely poised fixture of the day. South Africa were steady, if unspectacular, during the group phase, while the Congolese showed both firepower and vulnerability. It's a tactical battle that could be decided by fine margins. These quarter-finals are more than just knock-out fixtures—they're make-or-break showdowns that will define careers and rewrite histories. With a place in Chile on the line, expect drama, grit, and no shortage of heartbreak. TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures 12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal 15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt 15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone 18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON: Five coaching masterminds guiding Africa's next generation
Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 The TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 has shone a spotlight on five standout coaches who embody the future of African football. Their tactical acumen, leadership and strategic decisions have shaped their teams' performances and inspired a new wave of youth development. Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco): The architect of a cohesive unit Voted Best Coach of the Group Stage, Mohamed Ouahbi has moulded the Atlas Cubs into a well-oiled machine. Under his guidance, Morocco topped Group B with seven points: Victory over Kenya (3-2) Draw against Nigeria (0-0) Win against Tunisia (3-1) Looking ahead, Ouahbi remarked: 'We're going to rest well and prepare for the quarter-final in Cairo. Winning is why we're here. We believe it's possible. We're up against strong teams, but we believe in ourselves.' Serigne Saliou Dia (Senegal): The keeper of the Lion Cubs' spirit As defending champions, Senegal faced turbulence in Group C under Serigne Saliou Dia: Draw with Central African Republic (1-1) Loss to Ghana (0-1) Crucial win over DR Congo (2-0) Dia successfully regrouped his side in time to book a place in the quarter-finals, stating: 'Our players have found their soul again,' highlighting the team's resilience and inner strength. Desmond Ofei (Ghana): The tactical brain behind the Black Satellites Desmond Ofei has rejuvenated Ghana's Black Satellites, who topped Group C with seven points: Draw with DR Congo (1-1) Win over Senegal (1-0) Win against Central African Republic (1-0) Confident in his side's trajectory, Ofei said: 'Our main objective is to qualify for the World Cup. Every match and every positive result brings us closer to that goal.' Guy Bukasa (DR Congo): The builder of a promising future After a 12-year absence, DR Congo made a notable return to the AFCON U20 under Guy Bukasa's leadership. They finished third in Group C with four points: Draw with Ghana (1-1) Win over Central African Republic (3-1) Defeat to Senegal (0-2) With an eye on progression, Bukasa declared: 'Our objective is not just to play three group matches. We want to reach the quarter-finals and, God willing, qualify for the World Cup.' Aliyu Zubair (Nigeria): The navigator of the Flying Eagles Aliyu Zubair has taken charge of Nigeria's Flying Eagles with the aim of restoring the team's dominance. They finished second in Group B with five points: Win over Tunisia (1-0) Draw with Morocco (0-0) Draw against Kenya (2-2) Fully aware of the stakes ahead, Zubair stated: 'My team is fully focused and mentally prepared for the high-stakes quarter-final against Senegal.' These five tacticians reflect the rising tide of African coaching talent – blending tactical discipline, man-management, and long-term vision. Their leadership at the 2025 AFCON U20 demonstrates the rich potential and promise of African football's next generation.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Essel: Ghana focused on 'mission' as Egypt quarter-final looms
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Ghana defender Aaron Essel says the Black Satellites are treating their quarter-final clash with hosts Egypt 'like a final' as they aim to secure a place in the last four of the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025. Ghana head into Monday's tie at the New Suez Stadium on the back of a confident group stage campaign, where they finished top of Group C after victories over defending champions Senegal and the Central African Republic. Standing in their way are a resurgent Egypt side buoyed by home support and looking to restore pride after a rollercoaster group stage performance. But Essel, who has been a defensive rock for Desmond Ofei's side, says the Black Satellites are locked in and not fazed by the occasion or the setting. 'Preparations have been very good. The entire team is focused, and we're ready to give our best on the field,' Essel said during Sunday's pre-match press conference in Suez. 'For us, this is a final. The field will decide which team emerges victorious, and we are determined to make sure it's Ghana.' Ghana are chasing a fourth U20 AFCON crown, having last won the title in 2009 – the same year they lifted the FIFA U20 World Cup. With a ticket to the global showpiece in Chile on offer for all semi-finalists, the stakes are high. Essel stressed the team's unity and commitment to the plan drawn up by coach Desmond Ofei and his technical team. 'We're sticking to the game plan laid out by Coach Desmond Ofei. Everyone knows what's at stake,' he added. The 20-year-old also addressed the increasing presence of scouts and agents in the stands — a feature of major youth tournaments — but insists the team's focus is intact. 'Yes, we're aware that scouts and agents are watching. But we're not distracted. We're in Egypt on a mission — to qualify for the World Cup and bring honour to our nation,' Essel affirmed. Playing against the host nation is often considered an intimidating task, but the young Ghanaian squad is keeping its cool. 'This is football. We've prepared adequately and we're approaching this game with a strong mentality. The mood in camp is calm and focused. There's no anxiety; everyone is ready.' Essel also issued a rallying call to Ghanaians, promising the team will leave everything on the pitch to make the country proud. 'We're not only playing for ourselves; we're playing for Ghana. We want to leave a legacy and show that we are capable of carrying the torch for Ghana football into the future.' Kick-off is set for 15:00 GMT on Monday. With a semi-final spot and World Cup qualification on the line, both sides know only one can take the next step on the road to continental glory.
