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CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Sharaf strike sends Egypt through as Tanzania bow out winless
Published: Friday, 09 May 2025 Egypt sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Friday evening. Ahmed Sharaf's seventh-minute goal proved enough for the hosts, who finish the group stage level on seven points with South Africa and Sierra Leone, but progress by virtue of a superior head-to-head mini-league involving the three tied teams. Tanzania, who were already eliminated before kick-off, leave the competition without a point or a goal from four matches – extending their winless run at U20 AFCON finals to seven matches across two appearances. Egypt made the perfect start to the game when Mohamed Zaalouk's initial effort was parried into the path of Sharaf, who calmly slotted home from close range to give the home side an early lead. Despite their early dominance, the Pharaohs struggled to add a second, and it was Tanzania who pushed harder as the match wore on. Substitute Vedastus Masinde came closest for the East Africans, forcing a strong save from the Egyptian keeper with a well-timed header just after the hour mark. Coach Salum Mayanga's side showed admirable determination, recording more shots and spending long periods in Egyptian territory, but their finishing continued to let them down – a problem that has plagued their entire campaign. Tanzania's best chances came late on through Bakari Msimu and Jammy Simba, but neither could find the target. Egypt had to rely on solid defending and game management to hold on to their slim advantage. The result means Egypt progress to the last eight and avoid the embarrassment of back-to-back group-stage exits as hosts, having also fallen at this stage in 2023. It was far from a convincing performance, but it was enough. For Tanzania, it is a tournament to forget. Four losses from four games without scoring a single goal is a harsh reminder of the work that lies ahead if they are to compete consistently at this level.
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.
