Latest news with #Cheikh
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Deadly Seven: Meet the strikers lighting up the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON
There are seven of them. Seven standout strikers who have lit up the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. Momoh Kamara, the Arrow from Freetown Sierra Leone came into the tournament with no pressure. What no one expected was the emergence of a bright young attacking gem. Kamara struck four times during the group stage – more than any other player. But beyond the sheer numbers, it is the manner of his goals that stands out: instinctive finishes, composure, and excellent positioning. He found the net against Egypt and Tanzania, including a blistering double against the hosts in a stunning 4-1 win. Then came the crucial late goal against Tanzania (1-0) that sent Sierra Leone into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Kamara's calm celebrations and fearless play have already caught the attention of scouts. Ntanda and Makanza: Congo's Dual Threat Though the Democratic Republic of Congo did not top their group, they boast two players tied for second in the goal-scoring charts. Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa and Noah Makanza each scored twice, playing key roles in the Leopards' advancement. Ntanda impressed with his direct runs and finishing – particularly in the 3-1 win over the Central African Republic. Makanza showed his power down the right wing and his knack for finding space in tight defences. The duo's partnership could be pivotal in the quarter-final against South Africa. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam: Senegal's Clinical Edge In a structured and well-organised Senegal side, Cheikh Tidiane Thiam stood out. With two goals and a striker's instinct, he fits the mold of a modern forward – hard-working, mobile, and always in motion. While less flashy than Kamara, Thiam brings consistency and sharp movement. He scored in the draw against the Central African Republic and again in the crucial 2-0 win over DR Congo. With his physical presence and composure, Thiam will be vital for Senegal in their blockbuster tie against Nigeria. Lawrence Ouma: Kenya's Creative Dynamo It took just two moments for Lawrence Ouma to leave his mark. Against Nigeria, he converted a penalty with confidence. In the next game, he stunned Morocco with a precise low strike. Two goals in three games told the story. Originally an attacking midfielder, Ouma became Kenya's creative spark in a team that, although eliminated, showed attacking intent and courage. He is a symbol of a bold, evolving generation in Kenyan football. Thabang Mahlangu: South Africa's Spontaneous Spark In South Africa's pragmatic setup, Thabang Mahlangu emerged as a free-roaming threat. He scored a stunning curled effort against Egypt and finished clinically against the Central African Republic. Mahlangu's play is all about instinct. Few touches, perfect timing. At 19, he evokes memories of 2000s-era South African strikers like Benni McCarthy and Siyabonga Nomvete. The quarter-final against DR Congo could be his breakout moment. Yassir Zabiri: Morocco's Master Finisher Yassir Zabiri does not need many opportunities. Two chances, two goals. The Moroccan striker scored against Tunisia and Kenya with ruthless precision. He remains discreet during matches, but lethal in the box. Morocco's upcoming match against Sierra Leone could hinge on his ability to turn half-chances into goals. With Zabiri, every ball in the area is a potential goal. A Wide-Open Race Kamara leads the scoring charts for now, but the knockout rounds often produce surprise heroes. Six players are hot on his heels with two goals each. As is often the case in the U20 AFCON, everything can change in a single night.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Saliou Dia: 'Our players have found their soul again' – Senegal ready for Nigeria showdown
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Senegal U20 coach Serigne Saliou Dia says his team has rediscovered its fighting spirit ahead of a high-stakes quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The defending champions face seven-time winners Nigeria on Monday in Ismailia in what promises to be one of the tournament's most gripping encounters. Senegal's journey to the last eight has been anything but smooth. A 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic followed by a 1-0 defeat to Ghana had Les Lionceaux staring at the exit door. But a commanding 2-0 victory over DR Congo on the final day secured their place in the knockouts — and reignited belief. 'This group was born in adversity,' said Dia. 'We needed to go through that storm to measure our strength. We questioned ourselves, we regrouped, and we came back stronger.' The coach admitted his team had flaws but insisted those challenges served as fuel. 'I saw the change in their eyes during the warm-up against DR Congo. There was no more doubt — only determination.' A Quarter-Final with History Senegal vs Nigeria is more than just a quarter-final. It's a clash rich in history and emotion. The two sides met in the 2015 final in Dakar, which Nigeria won 1-0. The rivalry remains fierce despite the generational changes. 'This is a clash of football DNA,' said Dia. 'Two teams built on intensity, pride, and direct play. But this time, we want to write our own version of the story.' While Nigeria remain unbeaten, their group stage campaign raised questions. The Flying Eagles opened with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, then drew 0-0 with Morocco and surprisingly 2-2 against already-eliminated Kenya. Senegal's coach has responded to his own team's inconsistent form with bold tactical decisions. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam has been moved deeper to stabilize midfield, and striker Ibrahima Dieng rediscovered his scoring touch against DR Congo. But Dia believes the biggest shift has been psychological: 'We worked a lot on the mental side. When the legs are tired, it's the mind that must take over. I told them the DR Congo match was a Round of 16 game — and they won it like one.' A Title to Defend, Not to Inherit Senegal knows the burden of being champions. Every opponent sees them as a target. But Dia refuses to let that pressure weigh down his squad. 'The title belongs to no one — it must be earned again each time. This group is still being built. The AFCON is not just a showcase, it's a mirror.' Senegal's preparation for the tournament included rigorous friendlies, including a test against DR Congo before the start of the finals. The goal, according to Dia, was to 'build a team before chasing trophies.' Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at the Ismailia Stadium. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. 'I've seen my players rise again,' Dia concluded. 'I've seen the pride in their eyes. We are ready.'
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Defending champions Senegal face seven-time winners Nigeria in blockbuster clash
Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025 Seven-time champions Nigeria will face defending title holders Senegal in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 on Monday in Ismailia. It is a meeting between two of the most storied sides in the competition's history, but both arrive at this stage with question marks despite their pedigree. Nigeria remain unbeaten after the group stage, but their form has been patchy. The Flying Eagles opened with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia, then shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Morocco before being held 2-2 by an already eliminated Kenya. That unexpected slip against Kenya—after initially leading—has raised doubts about the team's defensive discipline and focus. Coach Ladan Bosso is expected to rely on the attacking drive of Lawrence Ouma, who scored twice in the group stage, along with the creativity of midfielders like Yusuf Ibrahim to unlock the opposition. However, Nigeria's struggle to maintain control and kill off matches may prove costly against an opponent with Senegal's resilience. Senegal, meanwhile, endured a dramatic path to the last eight. The defending champions were stunned 1-0 by Ghana in their second match after a draw with Central African Republic left them on the brink. But with their title defence hanging by a thread, Les Lionceaux delivered when it mattered—beating DR Congo 2-0 on the final day to progress. It was a match that restored belief in coach Serigne Saliou Dia's men, who had previously gone 13 U20 AFCON games unbeaten before the Ghana defeat. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam, scorer of two goals so far, and Ibrahima Dieng, who netted a penalty in the last group match, remain crucial to Senegal's hopes. This quarter-final is a repeat of the 2015 final, which Nigeria won 1-0 in Dakar. But with both sides still finding their rhythm in Egypt, the game is wide open. Senegal will be hoping to become the first team to successfully defend the U20 AFCON title since Ghana did it in 2011. Nigeria, meanwhile, are chasing an eighth crown and a return to continental dominance after a semi-final exit in 2023. Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at the Ismailia Stadium, and it promises to be a tactical chess match between two sides with history, hunger, and heavy expectations.
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Sierra Leone's Kamara leads U20 AFCON top scorers after group stage
Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025 Sierra Leone's rising star Momoh Kamara sits atop the scoring charts after the conclusion of the group stage at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025. The 18-year-old forward has scored four goals in as many matches, propelling his nation to the quarter-finals and confirming his growing reputation as one of the brightest prospects on the continent. Kamara, who has been pivotal in Sierra Leone's Group A campaign, delivered standout performances in all three group matches and added another goal in the playoff fixture for second-place rankings. His clinical finishing and creative influence in the final third have helped guide Sierra Leone to an unexpected but well-earned spot in the last eight, where they will now face tournament favourites Morocco. Having outshone his peers with a tally of four goals, Kamara is now two goals clear at the top of the scorer's table. However, with the knockout stages set to begin on Monday, several other contenders remain in the hunt for the Golden Boot. Among them is DR Congo's Samuel Ntanda, who netted twice in the group phase, helping his side to a strong start in Group C. Ntanda's teammate Noah Makanza also features in the chasing pack with two goals of his own, underlining DR Congo's potent attacking threat heading into the quarter-finals. Senegal's Cheikh Tidiane Thiam, who converted from open play and missed a penalty rebound in the final group match against DR Congo, also sits on two goals. The reigning champions are banking on the powerful forward to continue his scoring form in the knockout rounds. Kenya's Lawrence Ouma also scored twice during the group phase but will play no further part in the tournament following his team's elimination. South Africa's Thabang Mahlangu and Morocco's Yassir Zabiri complete the list of two-goal scorers, and both will be hoping to add to their tallies as their respective teams progress. The quarter-finals are expected to bring high-intensity fixtures, including Morocco vs Sierra Leone, South Africa vs Senegal, DR Congo vs Nigeria, and hosts Egypt facing Ghana. All eyes will be on Kamara to see if he can maintain his lead in the scoring race, particularly with several challengers lurking close behind. With his sharp instincts and composure in front of goal, Kamara has already drawn attention from scouts across Africa and Europe. A strong showing in the knockout rounds could accelerate his rise to prominence and cement his place among the continent's next generation of stars. The Golden Boot race is far from over — and with knockout football on the horizon, a single standout performance could shake up the leaderboard. Top scorers after the group stage: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals Samuel Ntanda (DR Congo) – 2 goals Noah Makanza (DR Congo) – 2 goals Cheikh Tidiane Thiam (Senegal) – 2 goals Lawrence Ouma (Kenya) – 2 goals Thabang Mahlangu (South Africa) – 2 goals Yassir Zabiri (Morocco) – 2 goals
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Dennison And Collectability Pay Homage To Vintage Elegance
In recent months, micro brand Dennison has gained attention for its A.L.D. collection, named after Aaron Lufkin Dennison, co-founder of the original company in 1874. All the models have a cushion-shaped case with either Sunray or natural stone dials. These watches represent the timeless design of 1960's and 1970's slim dress watches made by the Holy Trinity of watchmaking. Dennison's Director Stéphane Cheikh enlisted help from prominent Swiss designer Emmanuel Gueit, who has designed watches for Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Harry Winston, Piaget, and fashion brands. Mr. Cheikh kept the vintage-inspired formula simple – strong design from Mr. Gueit, slim case in steel or gold PVD, stone or Sunray dial, Swiss quartz movement, and slim leather strap. All the watches assembled in Hong Kong. Although, this is changing in May 2025, when the watches will be produced in Swiss Ronda factory. Mr. Cheikh's winning formula tapped into the zeitgeist of 'shaped watches' trend taking over the watch industry. While haute horology brands with their shaped watches are appealing to well-healed audience, Dennison made the A.L.D watches affordable, with Sunray dials priced under USD 500, and natural stone dials priced under USD 700. However, it is the design of the watch that got the attention from seasoned collectors and casual buyers. Mr. Gueit's work is a modern twist on vintage Patek's Ellipse-esque design - rounded rectangular case shape prominently made popular in the 60's and 70's by Patek and Audermars Piguet. It was only natural that the John Reardon, U.S. based expert on Patek and owner of website Collectability, connected with Mr. Cheikh and Mr. Gueit over their mutual appreciation for vintage shaped watch designs. This progressed into a collaboration with two versions – one in steel and second in gold PVD case with two-tone Sunray dial, taking inspiration from the vintage Patek Ellipse models in Collectability's archives. Mr. Reardon's comment on collaboration is humorous take on Patek's advertisement on holding on to the watch for next generation, 'This collaboration breaks the mold, offering a design and price point that make the perfect watch not a future aspiration but an immediate reality. It's not for the next generation. It's for NOW." Mr. Gueit in his comment states that trend of vintage shaped case design is now popular again, 'The shape. The difference between Dennison and the other brands is the shape. It is bringing the old shape back alive, back upfront again. Something different." The watch case measures 37mm x 33.65mm and fitted with Swiss Ronda quartz movement for a slim profile of 6.05mm. The inner blue dial has the vibes of Ellipse's recognizable blue gold dial with the Sunray radiance. The outer dial has the shade of grey color Sunray pattern. With no markers, numerals, or logo, the dial exudes timeless elegance. This is also the first time Dennison has not placed a logo on the dial, which will be appreciated by some of the enthusiasts. The logos and collaboration details are engraved the case back. Price of Dennison x Collectability watch is USD 690. The official unveiling of the watch will take place during Madison Avenue Watch Week, from May 6 to May 10 in New York City. This launch event will be held at the Dennison + Collectability Pop-Up at the Sous Les Toiles Gallery, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the watch firsthand.
