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CAF
29-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON 2025: Five rising stars ready to light up Egypt
Published: Wednesday, 30 April 2025 The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, is officially underway, bringing together the finest young talents across the continent. As always, the tournament offers a glimpse into the future of African and world football, with scouts from top European clubs watching closely. Many African legends first made their names in this very competition — and this year's edition promises no less. With national pride, World Cup qualification, and professional breakthroughs on the line, the pressure on these young players is immense. Yet a few have already shown the kind of brilliance that hints they could be future global stars. Here are five players expected to make headlines over the next three weeks in Egypt. Kparobo Arierhi (Nigeria) Nigeria will pin much of their hopes on the deadly instincts of striker Kparobo Arierhi. Arierhi burst into the spotlight during the WAFU U-20 Championship, netting twice in the final. His extraordinary tally of 22 goals in just 15 games in The Creative Championship League last season underlines his natural goal-scoring ability. If Nigeria are to add another U-20 continental title to their rich history, Arierhi's finishing prowess will be crucial. Jerry Afriyie (Ghana) Leading the line for Ghana's Black Satellites is the explosive Jerry Afriyie. Crowned top scorer and best player at the WAFU Zone B Championship, Afriyie's lethal shooting from all distances and his ice-cool composure in front of goal have made him a standout. Expect Ghana to look to their number 9 when the pressure moments arrive. Jody Ah Shene (South Africa) Jody Ah Shene of South Africa is another exciting prospect poised to dazzle. The COSAFA U-20 Championship's top scorer combines blistering pace with exceptional ball control and creativity. His ability to stretch defences and deliver moments of magic makes him South Africa's trump card. Mohamed Zaalouk (Egypt) Egypt's title dreams could rest heavily on the shoulders of Mohamed Zaalouk. Currently on loan at Future FC from giants Al Ahly, Zaalouk's intelligence in the final third, coupled with his knack for scoring important goals — including against Algeria at the UNAF tournament — make him one of Egypt's most potent weapons. Pierre Dorival (Senegal) Senegal's midfield dynamo Pierre Dorival brings balance and authority to his side. A product of Olympique Lyonnais, Dorival is a master at intercepting opposition play and launching quick counter-attacks. With Senegal aiming to defend their title, Dorival's all-round midfield presence could be decisive. As the tournament gathers momentum, these young stars have the perfect stage to announce themselves to the world.
CAF
27-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Egypt U-20 Profile: Young Pharaohs ready to roar on home soil
Host nation Egypt will head into the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 as one of the tournament favourites, buoyed by a passionate home crowd and a legacy of youth football excellence. Drawn into Group A alongside Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania, the Young Pharaohs will be aiming to make a strong statement on home soil as they pursue a fifth continental crown. Despite securing the right to host the tournament following Côte d'Ivoire's withdrawal, Egypt had already booked its place the hard way—on the pitch. This year's edition marks Egypt's 14th appearance at the U-20 AFCON, a competition they have won four times (1981, 1991, 2003, and 2013). Only Nigeria, with seven titles, boasts a better record. Below is the full profile of the Egypt U20 team: EGYPT After resuming the organisation of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON after the last-minute withdrawal of Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt will approach the competition as favourites. They share Pool A with Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania. The country of the Pharaohs will be able to rely not only on its talents but also on the support of the public to try to do well. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Even before winning the status of host country at the very last minute, Egypt had already negotiated its qualification on the field, at the end of the UNAF zone qualifiers that it hosted from November 14 to 26, 2024. The young Pharaohs had snatched one of the two tickets at stake by finishing in second place, behind Morocco. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This year, Egypt will honour its fourteenth participation in the Junior Africa Cup of Nations. The country has one of the best records in the tournament with four trophies won (1881, 1991, 2003 and 2013). Only Nigeria, the record holder with 7 trophies won in this tournament, has done better. The country has also played in eight editions of the Junior World Cup, finishing third in 2001. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Ahmed Kabaka – Ahmed Khaled Gomaa Soliman aka Ahmed Kabaka will be one of the Egyptian players to watch during this tournament that his country is hosting from April 27 to May 18, 2025. The 19-year-old on loan from Al Ahly to Future FC was joint top scorer in the UNAF qualifiers with two goals. He is a midfielder with overflowing technical qualities who plays a valuable role in the organization of the Egyptian game. Very present in the animation, he can also be found at the conclusion of actions, as illustrated by his two goals at the last UNAF tournament. Mohamed Zaalouk – Al Ahly striker, also on loan to Future FC, Mohamed Zaalouk represents an impressive attacking asset for the Egyptian national team. His technical qualities and efficiency in front of goal will be crucial for Egypt in their quest for a fifth African title. Mohamed Zaalouk scored for Egypt against Algeria on the second day of the UNAF tournament. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Osama Nabih took over the reins of the Egyptian national team after the resignation of Brazilian coach Rogerio Micale who qualified the Young Pharaohs last November. The 50-year-old technician, former Zamalek player and winner of the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations is a rigorous tactician. If he likes to see his team play well, he also knows how to provide the tactical response against a solid opponent. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS As the host country, Egypt will be a tough opponent to play against. In addition to the qualities recognized to the team, it should also rely on the law of domicile to maximize its chances and get results.
