Latest news with #Morocco2025
CAF
9 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Jennifer Echegini (Nigeria): 'I can't wait to experience this WAFCON'
A revelation at PSG since her arrival in 2024, Jennifer Echegini is about to play in her very first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Cup of Nations with Nigeria Born in the Netherlands and developed between England and the United States, she never hesitated—her heart has always beaten for the Super Falcons 'People often reduce us to just our speed. But we have so much more to offer,' warns the Parisian midfielder, determined to break stereotypes At 24, the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Women's Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be her first. Jennifer Echegini approaches it with the maturity of a player who has already faced the pressure of the Olympics and the World Cup. But for her, the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON is more than just another tournament: it's a source of pride, a responsibility, a deep connection to the history and soul of Nigerian football. Arriving in Paris in the summer of 2024, the Super Falcon quickly made her mark in an elite squad. 'She creates danger every time she touches the ball,' praises teammate Grace Geyoro. Behind her technical skills and game intelligence lies an unusual journey: born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, trained in England and the U.S, Echegini has always carried the desire to represent Nigeria. 'It's a conviction that has always driven me,' she says. Today, she shares the PSG locker room with other African talents like Agueissa Diarra (Mali) and Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo). Her advice? 'Believe in yourself, no matter where you come from. In Paris, only discipline and passion matter.' A powerful message from a player who refuses clichés: 'We're often reduced to speed or power, but African women's football is so much more than that.' With only a few weeks to go before the Women's AFCON kicks off in Morocco (July 5–26), Jennifer Echegini is ready to step into the spotlight: 'This tournament brings a different intensity, a unique emotion. It's our legacy,' she says with determination. Since July, you've been playing for PSG. What do you appreciate most about your new life in Paris? Jennifer Echegini: There are so many things I love here. What stands out the most is being able to train every day alongside exceptional players. Every session is a learning moment. Some of them I used to admire on TV when I was younger, so now sharing the field with them and learning from them is such a rich experience. You were the first African player to join PSG. What message did you share with Agueissa Diarra (Mali) and Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo), your two African teammates, when they joined? I told them to believe in themselves. It doesn't matter where you come from—your background should never limit you. Being from a particular country or region doesn't define your value. What matters is what you show on the field. At PSG, we're all on the same level, in the same locker room, and we have to fight for what we want. Self-belief is the key. Paris has recently invested in several African players, including yourself. What do you think about this trend, and what impact can it have on the development of women's football in Africa? I'm proud that European clubs are starting to take us seriously. Too often, African players are reduced to just strength or speed, but we have so much more to offer the game. This recognition changes things. It sends a strong message to young girls across the continent: if we made it, they can too. They shouldn't limit themselves to stereotypical traits. At 24, you've already played in the World Cup and the Olympics… and now you're preparing for your first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Women's Cup of Nations. What does this tournament mean to you? It's very special. I've been in major international competitions, but I haven't played in an WAFCON yet. This will be my first time, and I'm very excited. I watched the last edition two years ago and already thought: 'One day, it'll be my turn.' Now that moment is here. It's a different atmosphere, a different energy. Representing my country on the African continent is a huge honor. The Women's AFCON is about history, culture, emotion. I can't wait to live it from the inside. Nigeria will play in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. How do you assess this group? It's a tough group. On paper, we're the favourites, clearly. But in this kind of tournament, that doesn't mean anything. No team should be taken lightly. We'll need to be focused from the first minute and never underestimate the opposition. What role do you expect to play for the Super Falcons during this AFCON? I'm a midfielder, so my role is to create, organize, and also score when I can. I want to be a constant support for my teammates across all areas of the pitch. Nothing complicated—just doing what I know how to do. Simply being useful. Nigeria is a powerhouse on the continent, with a rich history in this competition. How do you handle the pressure of always needing to win? We live with it. The pressure has always been there. When you wear the Nigerian jersey, you know the expectations are sky-high. But that's a good thing, really. It's those standards that shape who we are. Nigeria has won this competition multiple times. As the new generation, it's our duty to carry on that tradition. So yes, there's pressure. But everyone—the fans, the staff, us—wants the same thing: victory. With increased media coverage, do you sense a change in how African fans view women's football? Definitely. I've been with the team for three years now, and I see real progress. There's more coverage, more interest, more visibility. This tournament has always been important, but it didn't get talked about enough. Today, things are changing—and that's excellent. The more people understand the importance of this competition, the more African women's football will grow. What message do you want to send to young African girls watching you from Lagos, Cotonou, or Abidjan, dreaming of following in your footsteps? I'd simply tell them to believe in themselves and never stop working hard. Every journey is unique. I'm Nigerian, but I wasn't born in Nigeria. I grew up in the Netherlands, in the UK, spent time in the US… My story is different from some of my teammates who grew up in Lagos or Abuja. But that's the point: no matter where you come from, the path may be different, but the destination can be the same. We can all reach the top level, each in our own way. You have to believe in yourself and never doubt. You set your own ceiling. If you tell yourself you won't make it, then you won't. Don't let anyone convince you that you can't. Work hard, believe in yourself, and go for it.
CAF
04-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Uganda bounce back in style against neighbours Tanzania
Following their crushing opening defeat to Morocco, Uganda bounced back in fine fashion to claim a confidence boosting 2-0 win over neighbours, Tanzania on Match Day 2 of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday. Three second half goals by Simon Wanyama, Richard Okello and James Ogere's well taken penalty sealed an emphatic win for the Ugandans. The wounded Ugandans came off their starting blocks early in the opening minutes, with Wanyama, Bogere and Isima Magala orchestrating some exciting build ups for their side. Tanzania, who came into the clash equally wounded by a 4-1 defeat to Zambia tried unlocking the Ugandan defense but were let down by poor decision making. The two sides went into the break with nothing separating them, setting up what would be an action filled second half. Wanyama found the opener in the 61st minute in what would be a goal that calms the nerves for the Ugandans. A lapse of concentration in 85th minute saw Okello capitalising in the danger area as he pounced on a loose ball to put the match beyond reach with just five minutes to play. With the match well in their control, Uganda sealed a sweet victory after Tanzania conceded a penalty in the dying minutes for Magala to comfortably slot home the third. The vital win sees Uganda move ahead of bottom placed Tanzania who have their campaign hanging in the balance.
CAF
31-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Senegal open TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations title defence against Gambia
Defending champions Senegal get their TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 campaign under way with a Group C clash against Gambia at the Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida on Tuesday (kick-off 14:00 local time / GMT). This is the first meeting between neighbours and rivals Senegal and Gambia at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON. Both teams have won this title previously. Senegal are the defending champions while Gambia are two times champions having won in 2005 at home and in 2009, when Algeria were hosts. Senegal are winless in open play against West African rivals at the finals. They have played Burkina Faso twice at the group stages, firstly in 2011, a game they lost 3-2. They did defeat Burkina Faso on penalties in the 2023 semi-finals after the game ended 1-1. They also lost 2-1 to Guinea in the group stages in 2019. Gambia are meeting a West African nation for the ninth time at the finals. Their record against fellow WAFU rivals at the finals reads P8 W4 D0 L4. Senegal will become the eighth different West African team that Gambia will face at the finals they have only faced Ghana more than once, meeting them at the group stages ant the final in 2005. All of Gambia's wins against West African teams have been single goal victories. Three have been 1-0 wins, against Burkina Faso in the group stages in 2005 and Ghana in the 2005 Finals. They defeated Guinea 1-0 in their opening game in 2009. They have only scored more than one goal against a West African rival in their 3-2 win over Mali in the 2005 group stages. Of Gambia's four losses to West African nations, three have been 1-0 defeats against Nigeria, Ghana and Mali in the 2003, 2005 and 2011 group stages. Their biggest defeat was a 4-1 loss against Cote d' Ivoire in the 2011 group stages. Gambia have only previously faced the defending champions once before as they lost in their second group game when making their tournament debut in 2003 to Nigeria in a 1-0 defeat. These two sides met in the qualification tournament in WAFU A. Senegal won 3-1 but both teams progressed from a group which also contained Liberia. SENEGAL FACTS · Senegal will be looking to become the second defending champion after Mali to successfully retain their title. Mali won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2017. · Senegal have reached their fourth TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON tournament. They first qualified for Rwanda 2011 and then returned in 2019 for the tournament hosted by Tanzania. Senegal have reached three successive tournaments for the first time. · Senegal had never previously won their opening game at the tournament until they won their opening game enroute to winning the title 2-0 against Congo in 2023. In 2011 they lost 2-1 to Egypt, while in 2019 they drew 1-1 with Morocco. · Senegal had been eliminated in the group stages in 2011 and 2019 before lifting the title in 2023. In 2011 they began with successive losses against Egypt and Burkina Faso went out despite a win against hosts Rwanda in their final group game. · In their second appearance at the tournament in 2019, Senegal started with a 1-1 draw against Morocco and then lost to Guinea 2-1 and drew 0-0 with Cameroon in their final game. · At the last finals in 2023, Senegal went through the group stages with a 100% record for the first time, defeating Congo 1-0, and hosts Algeria and Somalia both 3-0. Senegal did not concede a goal in their first four games as they won their quarter-final clash against South Africa 5-0. They claimed a penalty shoot-out win over Burkina Faso in the semi-final that ended 1-1. They claimed a 2-1 win over Morocco in the final. · Senegal are currently on a run of seven games at the finals without a loss, starting with their 0-0 draw against Cameroon in their final group game in 2019 (W6 D1). · The record of the defending champions at the finals when they have qualified for the next tournament reads P6 W2 D2 L2. · Two defending champions, Ghana with a 4-1 win over Ethiopia in 1997 and Nigeria with a 1-0 win over Cameroon in 2003, have begun with wins, while Gambia in 2011 started with a 3-0 loss to Congo and Cameroon lost 2-0 against Mali in 2023. Twice previously has the defending champion drawn their first game as Cote d'Ivoire came from two goals down to draw 2-2 against South Africa in 2015 and Mali drew 0-0 with Tanzania in 2017. · Former Senegal Under-15 coach Pape Ibrahima Faye has replaced Serigne Saliou Dia as their coach. Dia has taken over as coach of the Senegal U20 national team. GAMBIA FACTS · Gambia are featuring at their fifth finals. They have twice previously been winners in 2005 and 2009, while they were eliminated at the group stages in 2003 and 2011. · Gambia are one of five nations along with Cameroon, Ghana, Mali and Nigeria to have won multiple titles. All have two wins. · Gambia's record in their opening game at their four previous finals appearances reads P4 W3 D0 L1. · Gambia have won their opening games previously in 2003, 2005 and 2009, all 1-0 wins over Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Gambia have lost their opening game just one in 2011 a 3-0 loss to Congo. · When winning the title in 2005, Gambia went through the tournament winning four of their five games (L1). All of their wins were outright victories without needing penalties. · When winning their second title in 2009, Gambia won all three of their group games and went through their first four games without conceding a goal. The first goal they conceded was in their 3-1 win over Algeria in final. · When claiming the title in 2009, all five of Gambia's games were won in open play they scored 12 goals and conceded just one. · Ebrima Bojang top scored for Gambia at the 2009 finals, the most goals scored by a Gambian player in a single edition. · Gambia's biggest win at the finals is a 4-0 triumph over Malawi in the 2009 Semi-finals.
CAF
13-02-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 Final Draw reveals exciting fixture line-up
Published: Thursday, 13 February 2025 The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) conducted the official Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday, 13 February at CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Conducted by former Mali international Adama Coulibaly and ex-Senegalese star Souleymane Camara, the draw officially mapped out what promises to be another exciting edition of the youth competition set to be contested by 16 African nations between 30 March – 19 April, 2025 in Morocco. The draw outcome saw tournament hosts Morocco headlining an interesting Group A consisting of Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. Bronze medallists at the last edition held in Algeria, Burkina Faso will be up against UNIFFAC 1 (Champions of UNIFFAC Qualifiers), 2015 runners-up South Africa, as well former champions Egypt in Group B. Reigning champions Senegal, who edged Morocco in the last edition's tightly contested final, will kick off their title defense in Group C against 2009 winners Gambia, Somalia and 2013 bronze medallists Tunisia. In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in Algeria, take on tournament debutants Angola, 2013 champions, Cote d'Ivoire and UNIFFAC 2 (Runners-up of UNIFFAC Qualifiers). In addition to the glory of being crowned African champions, this year's edition also serves as a qualifier to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 where Africa will be represented by 10 teams. Nigeria currently hold the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles with five to their name. TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Draw Outcome: GROUP A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia GROUP B: Burkina Faso, UNIFFAC 1, South Africa, Egypt GROUP C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia GROUP D: Mali, Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, UNIFFAC 2 For more information on the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, visit Further Enquiries: CAF Communications communications@
CAF
31-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF announces match schedule for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
Published: Friday, 31 January 2025 Hosts Morocco and Comoros to open the tournament on 21 December, 2025 Six cities and nine stadiums to stage Africa's flagship sports event Final to be played at the 69,500-seater Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on 18 January, 2026 The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the match schedule for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 that will see nine venues used across six cities for the continent's greatest football show. Morocco and Comoros will kick-off the tournament on 21 December, 2025 with a Group A fixture at the newly-built 69,500-seater Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, a fitting stage for the grand opening. Rabat will have four match venues, with other host cities Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier to have one each. The four quarter-final fixtures will be played at the Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, as well as in Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir. The semi-finals will be in Rabat and Tangier, with the third-place play-off set for the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. There will be 52 matches over 29 days in a feast of football for fans that showcases the skill and passion of African football. Click here to download the full match schedule Morocco, hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time since 1988, is also preparing to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030. For more information on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, visit Further Enquiries: CAF Communications communications@
