Latest news with #KhalilAyari
CAF
06-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Winner-takes-all battle between Tunisia and Morocco in Group B
North African heavyweights Tunisia and Morocco meet once again at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Stadium on Ismailia on Wednesday (kick-off 18:00 local time / 15:00 GMT), rekindling a rivalry that dates back to 1981. The outcome of this Group B match could determine the pool winner, depending on Nigeria's result against Kenya. Victory for either would see them advance. A draw will be enough for Morocco to progress to the knockout stages. Tunisia, meanwhile, could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams with a draw. Their previous encounters at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON include a two-legged first-round clash in 1981 – where each side won 1-0 at home before Tunisia edged through 6-5 on penalties – and a dramatic quarterfinal meeting in 2021, which ended 0-0 before Tunisia advanced with a 4-1 shootout victory in Nouadhibou. The teams most recently faced off in qualifying for this edition during the 2024 UNAF Tournament. That match, held at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia last November, saw Tunisia take an early lead through Khalil Ayari, only for Morocco to come back with second-half goals from Mouad Dahak and Reda Laalaoui to win 2-1. TUNISIA FACTS · Tunisia lost their opening game to Nigeria but bounced back with a 3-1 win over Kenya, coming from behind. · They have never won back-to-back group matches at the tournament. · The victory over Kenya ended a three-match losing streak in open play. · Tunisia are aiming for a third quarterfinal appearance, having reached the last eight in 1985, 2021, and 2023. · In their final group games, Tunisia lost 2-1 to Central African Republic in 2021 and beat Zambia 2-1 in 2023. · Tunisia have conceded in each of their last six matches at the finals – their last clean sheet came in a 0-0 draw against Benin in 2021. · Against Kenya, Tunisia attempted 300 passes, 171 of which were in the opposition half. · They also recorded five shots on target – their highest tally in a match at the current tournament. MOROCCO FACTS · Morocco drew 0-0 with Nigeria in their last match and need just a point to reach the knockout rounds for a third straight tournament. They were semi-finalists in 2005 and quarter-finalists in 2021. · Since the introduction of group stages, Morocco have exited in the first round twice (1993 and 2003) and progressed beyond it in 1997, 2005, and 2021. · Morocco are unbeaten in their last eight group-stage matches at the finals (W5 D3). · Their last group-stage loss was a 4-0 defeat to Egypt in 2003. · In each of their last three tournaments, Morocco have won their opening group match and drawn the second. · A draw would mark the first time Morocco have had back-to-back group-stage draws. · Morocco's record in final group matches stands at P5 W3 L2. Wins include 2-0 vs Senegal (1993), 1-0 vs Angola (2005), and 3-0 vs Tanzania (2021). · Historically, when Morocco have drawn their second group game, they've gone on to win the third (as in 2005 and 2021). · If they avoid defeat here, Morocco will finish a group stage unbeaten for the fourth time (joining 1997, 2005, and 2021). · Othmane Maamma has created five chances so far – more than any other Moroccan player in this tournament. · The draw with Nigeria was the first time across the 2021 and current editions that Morocco failed to register a shot on target. · Morocco boast five clean sheets in their last six games at the finals, with their only concession being in a 3-2 win over Kenya. · They have also kept clean sheets in their last group matches in 2005 (1-0 vs Angola), all three group games in 2021, and most recently vs Nigeria.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia U-20 Profile: Junior Carthage Eagles out to reclaim continental pedigree
Tunisia return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with fresh ambition and a renewed focus on restoring their status in youth football. Drawn into a highly competitive Group B alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya, the Carthage Eagles will be banking on their mix of local and Europe-based talent to make a deep run in Egypt 2025. Coach Mejdi Traoui's side is targeting a top-four finish and a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year. TUNISIA Tunisia return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with renewed determination and a golden opportunity to reignite their youth football legacy. The North African side will feature in the tournament's 2025 edition in Egypt after gaining entry under unusual circumstances—but they are fully focused on making the most of the chance. Tunisia have been drawn in Group B, alongside continental heavyweights Nigeria and Morocco, as well as a rapidly improving Kenya side. Led by former international Mejdi Traoui, Tunisia bring a mix of domestic and European-based talent into the competition, hoping to reach the semi-finals and secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Tunisia's path to Egypt 2025 was anything but straightforward. After finishing third in the UNAF U-20 Championship—behind Egypt and Morocco—they initially missed out on automatic qualification. However, when Cote d'Ivoire withdrew as hosts of the tournament, a spot opened up, and Tunisia were granted entry. During the UNAF qualifiers, Tunisia recorded victories over Libya and Algeria, but also showed defensive vulnerability, scoring and conceding five goals apiece. The campaign revealed both their attacking promise and the need for greater consistency. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This marks Tunisia's ninth appearance at the U-20 AFCON, with their first dating back to 1979. Their best result came in 1985, when they reached the final but fell short against Nigeria. In recent years, Tunisia have twice finished in the semi-finals, earning fourth place and subsequently qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their history shows a team capable of competing at the highest level when they find their rhythm. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Khalil Ayari – The 20-year-old winger from Stade Tunisien is known for his electric pace, one-on-one ability, and direct style of play. He offers a consistent threat down the flanks. Louey Ben Farhat – A rising star based in Germany, the 18-year-old midfielder from Karlsruhe U-19 has scored 13 goals in 27 games this season. His creative passing and eye for goal make him a key figure in Tunisia's midfield. Youssef Becha – The CS Sfaxien winger is a skillful dribbler who thrives in wide spaces. His agility and delivery from the wings could prove decisive in tight matches. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Head coach Mejdi Traoui brings valuable top-flight experience from stints with Esperance de Tunis and the Tunisian senior national team. His tactical style is based on quick transitions, positional fluidity, and aggressive pressing. Traoui prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation that encourages creative freedom in the final third, while maintaining defensive discipline through a solid midfield base. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Drawn into a formidable Group B with Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya, Tunisia face one of the most competitive pools in the tournament. Each match will demand tactical precision and mental fortitude. Nonetheless, Tunisia aim to reach the semi-finals, which would secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. With their technical players and experienced coach, Tunisia enter the tournament as one of the potential dark horses.
