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CAF
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Finals stage set
The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, asEgypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa prepare for the semi-finals after dramatic quarter-final victories on Frida y in Egypt. With the coveted FIFA U-20 World Cup tickets already secured by virtue of reaching the final four, all eyes now turn to the prestigious continental crown, and the chance to etch their names in African football history. Hosts Egypt Survive Ghana Scare The Pharaohs had to dig deep to keep their title dreams alive, edging Ghana 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw at full-time. Despite a late Ghanaian equalizer that sent the match into extra time, Egypt held their nerve from the spot. Nigeria Show Grit to Knock Out Holders Senegal Record champions Nigeria showcased their resilience with a nerve-shredding 5-4 penalty shootout win over defending champions Senegal. A goalless stalemate across 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides before the Flying Eagles held their composure in the shootout. Coach Ladan Bosso's men now aim to add to their record seven titles and continue their dominance at this level. Morocco Edge Gambia to Reach First Semi Since 2005 A 1-0 win over Gambia was enough for Morocco to seal a long-awaited return to the semi-finals, their first in two decades. A first-half own goal by Alieu Keita proved decisive in a cagey affair, sending the North Africans through.. Buoyed by a solid defensive record, Morocco will be a tough nut to crack as they pursue a maiden U-20 AFCON title. Mahlangu late strike sees Amajita through South Africa became the fourth and final nation to secure their place thanks to a late It Thabang Mahlanguextra time strike that sealed a place for Amajita.s Africa will now look to emulate their 1997 run when they reached the final. TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Semi-Final Fixtures | Thursday, 15 May: South Africa vs Nigeria The enterprising style of play of the South Africans will be tested to the limits when they face off against Nigeria in a 15h00 GMT Kick off. Morocco vs Egypt A North African derby looms in Egypt, as the hosts prepare to face the high-flying Morocco in what promises to be a highly entertaining encounter between two strong North African sides.
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.
