Latest news with #OsamaNabih
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
'Only 27 days in charge' - Egypt U20 coach Nabih praises team despite semi-final loss
Published: Friday, 16 May 2025 Egypt U-20 coach Osama Nabih says his team can hold their heads high despite falling 1-0 to Morocco in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo on Thursday night, the Young Pharaohs were narrowly edged out by a Moroccan side widely regarded as one of the most prepared and tactically astute teams in the tournament. But Nabih, who took over the reins of the squad just 27 days before the tournament began, believes his side played their best football of the competition against the Atlas Cubs. 'I took over the responsibility only 27 days ago, and we played our best match of the tournament against a Morocco team that has been preparing for four years,' Nabih said during the post-match press conference. Egypt were undone by a single goal in the second half, ending their hopes of contesting the final on home soil. However, the host nation had already secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile by reaching the semi-finals. 'I want to thank the players for their great effort. We had an extra game in the group stage and beat Ghana in the quarter-finals after extra time. The boys gave everything,' Nabih added. Egypt's journey to the last four was anything but smooth. They finished third in Group A — tied on seven points with South Africa and Sierra Leone — but edged through as one of the best third-placed teams. The team then overcame Ghana in a dramatic quarter-final clash that ended 2-2 after extra time before winning 5-4 on penalties. Nabih was quick to challenge the suggestion that Egypt's qualification from the group stage had been fortunate. 'We didn't qualify with difficulty. We got seven points, just like the group leaders South Africa and Sierra Leone. People shouldn't underestimate this achievement,' he said firmly. The Egyptian coach also highlighted the challenges his side faced in rebuilding quickly after multiple coaching changes in the build-up to the tournament. 'This team has gone through three coaching changes. I came in and worked on our defensive shape, and the players delivered. I'm proud of them,' he said. Egypt will now regroup for Sunday's third-place playoff, where they will face Nigeria, also at the Air Defense Stadium. The tournament final between Morocco and South Africa will follow later that evening at Cairo International Stadium. While the dream of lifting the continental trophy has ended, Nabih insists his team will finish strong. 'We'll do everything to give the fans something to celebrate. The journey may not have ended the way we hoped, but we have shown resilience, and I trust the boys to finish on a high.'
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
How the quartet marched into TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON semi-finals
Published: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 The semi-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 is set, with Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa emerging as the continent's final four after navigating tough group stage campaigns and dramatic quarter-final battles. Each side followed a distinct path to reach the last four of the prestigious youth tournament, booking not just semi-final spots but also their tickets to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Here's how each team travelled from the group stage to book their spot in the semi-finals: Egypt rise from group struggle to edge Ghana Host nation Egypt endured a turbulent group stage in Group A. A 1-0 win over South Africa in the opening match was followed by a shock 4-1 loss to Sierra Leone. They narrowly secured qualification as one of the best third-placed teams after a goalless draw with Tanzania. In the quarter-finals, the young Pharaohs pulled off a dramatic comeback against Ghana, clawing back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, before holding their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties. Coach Osama Nabih described the moment as 'the first part of our dream,' with the team now focused on going all the way. Morocco's unbeaten run continues Morocco topped Group B with an unbeaten run, defeating Kenya 3-2 and Tunisia 3-1, and holding Nigeria to a goalless draw. The Atlas Lions impressed with their attacking depth and strong defensive record, conceding just three times in three matches. Their quarter-final against Sierra Leone was a tense affair. With the match still goalless deep into extra time, Morocco were gifted a winner through an own goal by Amara Keita in the 115th minute. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised Sierra Leone as "a tough opponent" but stressed that Morocco 'deserve to dream big.' Nigeria show champion pedigree The Flying Eagles were businesslike in Group B, defeating Tunisia 1-0, drawing with Morocco, and playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Kenya to top the group. Their quarter-final was a heavyweight clash with defending champions Senegal, where Nigeria kept their composure in a tense goalless draw that went to penalties. A 3-1 win in the shootout marked Nigeria's 14th qualification for a U-20 World Cup, further cementing their status as the most successful African team at this level. South Africa find rhythm at the right time South Africa's journey began with a gritty 1-0 win over Tanzania, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Egypt and a commanding 4-1 win over Sierra Leone in Group A. Finishing top of the group, Amajita met DR Congo in the quarter-finals in a physically demanding match. Shakeel April set up Thabang Mahlangu for the decisive extra-time winner, sending South Africa through to the semi-finals and the World Cup. Semi-final Fixtures – Thursday, 15 May Nigeria vs South Africa – Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia (15:00 GMT) Morocco vs Egypt – 30 June Stadium, Cairo (18:00 GMT) With a place in the final and a shot at continental glory at stake, these four African giants are now just one win away from the showpiece event.
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Egypt coach Nabih eyes U-20 AFCON title after World Cup qualification
Published: Tuesday, 13 May 2025 Egypt U-20 coach Osama Nabih says his side will 'fight with all our might' to win the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, after securing a dramatic World Cup qualification with victory over Ghana in the quarter-finals. The Pharaohs edged past the Black Satellites in a thrilling contest that ended 2-2 after extra time, before prevailing 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout in Suez on Monday night. The result not only sealed a place in the semi-finals but also booked Egypt's ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. 'Securing a World Cup ticket is the first part of our dream,' said Nabih. 'Now we will defend it with all our might, regardless of the obstacles.' Egypt's path to the last four has been far from smooth. A shock 4-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the group stage had put their campaign on the brink. But the young Pharaohs responded with grit, regrouping to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams before knocking out one of the tournament's most consistent sides in Ghana. 'We faced difficult moments in many forms,' Nabih admitted. 'After the loss to Sierra Leone, it required heroes. And our players proved they are warriors. They showed they were the most deserving of that World Cup ticket.' The Egypt coach also praised those who have stood behind the team during its rollercoaster journey, including Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, Egyptian FA president Hany Abo Rida, and the home fans who have turned out in numbers to back the team. 'I am very grateful to the champion players who honoured their country. A special salute goes to the great Egyptian fans,' Nabih said. Egypt now face a North African derby against Morocco in the semi-finals on Thursday at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo. The Atlas Lions progressed after edging Sierra Leone 1-0 in extra time. 'Morocco is a brotherly nation, but they stand in our path to the final,' said Nabih. 'We respect them, but we will give everything to reach the final and win this title. The journey is shorter now, but also more difficult.' With the home crowd behind them and momentum on their side, Egypt are daring to dream again.
CAF
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
AFCON U-20 Egypt 2025: Eight takeaways from a gripping quarter-final stage
Published: Tuesday, 13 May 2025 The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 delivered drama, heartbreak, and historic moments as four teams secured their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Here are eight key takeaways as the dust settles on a thrilling last-eight phase: 1. Africa's World Cup Quartet is Set Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa will fly the continent's flag at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The semi-finalists have not only earned bragging rights on the continent but will now shift focus to testing themselves on the global stage in Chile. 2. Egypt Showed the Heart of Champions The hosts came back from the brink in a pulsating clash with Ghana, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to level 2-2 before winning 5-4 on penalties. Osama Nabih's side showcased resilience and composure in front of their home fans and are proving they have both grit and goals. 3. Nigeria Are Built for the Big Moments The Flying Eagles once again confirmed why they are Africa's most successful U-20 team. A nerveless performance in the shootout against holders Senegal (5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw) sent them into a record-extending 14th World Cup appearance. 4. Senegal's Penalty Curse Continues For the third time in a year, Senegal exited a CAF tournament on penalties, following similar heartbreaks in the senior AFCON and the U-17 edition. Despite controlling much of the match against Nigeria, their inability to convert chances or hold their nerve in shootouts proved costly. 5. Morocco End 20-Year Semi-Final Wait An extra-time own goal handed Morocco a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone and a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2005. Their tournament campaign has been defined by tactical discipline and a solid backline that has conceded just three goals in four games. 6. Sierra Leone Win Hearts, If Not the Match The tournament debutants exited the competition with their heads held high. With surprise wins and a never-say-die attitude, Sierra Leone's run, led by star forward Momoh Kamara, marks them as a rising force in African youth football. 7. South Africa Dig Deep, Find a Way Amajita had to survive a bruising physical battle with DR Congo before Thabang Mahlangu struck in extra time. Their collective unity and compact defensive shape proved vital and will be key against Nigeria in the semi-final. 8. North Africa Dominate Again Two of the final four teams—Egypt and Morocco—hail from North Africa, reinforcing the region's growing reputation for structured, technical football at youth level. A semi-final showdown between the two will not only be a derby but a tactical chess match.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
World Cup tickets at stake as Africa's best collide in U20 AFCON quarter-finals
The race for Africa's four coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 reaches a boiling point as the quarter-final matches of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations are played across three Egyptian cities on Monday. With a World Cup ticket guaranteed for each of the four semi-finalists, today's matches are no longer just about continental pride—they are about survival, legacy, and securing a place on the global stage. 'This is like a final,' Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubairu said ahead of his team's titanic clash with defending champions Senegal. 'We know what to expect. It's a big match for both teams because the winner is going to the World Cup. We must be disciplined and determined for the full 90 minutes.' The Flying Eagles, Africa's most decorated U-20 side with seven titles, enter the tie unbeaten but under scrutiny following a nervy 2-2 draw with Kenya. Their opponents, Senegal, stumbled early but revived their campaign with a decisive 2-0 win over DR Congo. It's a heavyweight battle with high stakes, as both sides know only victory will do. Later in Suez, hosts Egypt will carry a nation's hopes against high-flying Ghana. The Black Satellites, winners of Group C and former world champions themselves, arrive as favourites—but Egyptian coach Osama Nabih is banking on resilience and home support. 'We're going through difficult circumstances due to injuries and fatigue,' Nabih admitted. 'But we are armed with a fighting spirit and determined to make the fans happy. We know the importance of this match—it is our chance to qualify for the World Cup after 12 years.' Morocco, unbeaten in the group stage and firm title contenders, will face the competition's surprise package, Sierra Leone. The West Africans stunned Egypt 4-1 in the group stage and carry the hopes of a nation making its first U20 AFCON appearance. 'We respect Sierra Leone, but we know our strengths,' said Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi. 'We'll rely on our technique, combinations, and tactical organisation. We must stay true to our identity.' In Ismailia, South Africa's Amajita will take on DR Congo in what could be the most finely poised fixture of the day. South Africa were steady, if unspectacular, during the group phase, while the Congolese showed both firepower and vulnerability. It's a tactical battle that could be decided by fine margins. These quarter-finals are more than just knock-out fixtures—they're make-or-break showdowns that will define careers and rewrite histories. With a place in Chile on the line, expect drama, grit, and no shortage of heartbreak. TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures 12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal 15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt 15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone 18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo
