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CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON: Five coaching masterminds guiding Africa's next generation
Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 The TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 has shone a spotlight on five standout coaches who embody the future of African football. Their tactical acumen, leadership and strategic decisions have shaped their teams' performances and inspired a new wave of youth development. Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco): The architect of a cohesive unit Voted Best Coach of the Group Stage, Mohamed Ouahbi has moulded the Atlas Cubs into a well-oiled machine. Under his guidance, Morocco topped Group B with seven points: Victory over Kenya (3-2) Draw against Nigeria (0-0) Win against Tunisia (3-1) Looking ahead, Ouahbi remarked: 'We're going to rest well and prepare for the quarter-final in Cairo. Winning is why we're here. We believe it's possible. We're up against strong teams, but we believe in ourselves.' Serigne Saliou Dia (Senegal): The keeper of the Lion Cubs' spirit As defending champions, Senegal faced turbulence in Group C under Serigne Saliou Dia: Draw with Central African Republic (1-1) Loss to Ghana (0-1) Crucial win over DR Congo (2-0) Dia successfully regrouped his side in time to book a place in the quarter-finals, stating: 'Our players have found their soul again,' highlighting the team's resilience and inner strength. Desmond Ofei (Ghana): The tactical brain behind the Black Satellites Desmond Ofei has rejuvenated Ghana's Black Satellites, who topped Group C with seven points: Draw with DR Congo (1-1) Win over Senegal (1-0) Win against Central African Republic (1-0) Confident in his side's trajectory, Ofei said: 'Our main objective is to qualify for the World Cup. Every match and every positive result brings us closer to that goal.' Guy Bukasa (DR Congo): The builder of a promising future After a 12-year absence, DR Congo made a notable return to the AFCON U20 under Guy Bukasa's leadership. They finished third in Group C with four points: Draw with Ghana (1-1) Win over Central African Republic (3-1) Defeat to Senegal (0-2) With an eye on progression, Bukasa declared: 'Our objective is not just to play three group matches. We want to reach the quarter-finals and, God willing, qualify for the World Cup.' Aliyu Zubair (Nigeria): The navigator of the Flying Eagles Aliyu Zubair has taken charge of Nigeria's Flying Eagles with the aim of restoring the team's dominance. They finished second in Group B with five points: Win over Tunisia (1-0) Draw with Morocco (0-0) Draw against Kenya (2-2) Fully aware of the stakes ahead, Zubair stated: 'My team is fully focused and mentally prepared for the high-stakes quarter-final against Senegal.' These five tacticians reflect the rising tide of African coaching talent – blending tactical discipline, man-management, and long-term vision. Their leadership at the 2025 AFCON U20 demonstrates the rich potential and promise of African football's next generation.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Saliou Dia: 'Our players have found their soul again' – Senegal ready for Nigeria showdown
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Senegal U20 coach Serigne Saliou Dia says his team has rediscovered its fighting spirit ahead of a high-stakes quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The defending champions face seven-time winners Nigeria on Monday in Ismailia in what promises to be one of the tournament's most gripping encounters. Senegal's journey to the last eight has been anything but smooth. A 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic followed by a 1-0 defeat to Ghana had Les Lionceaux staring at the exit door. But a commanding 2-0 victory over DR Congo on the final day secured their place in the knockouts — and reignited belief. 'This group was born in adversity,' said Dia. 'We needed to go through that storm to measure our strength. We questioned ourselves, we regrouped, and we came back stronger.' The coach admitted his team had flaws but insisted those challenges served as fuel. 'I saw the change in their eyes during the warm-up against DR Congo. There was no more doubt — only determination.' A Quarter-Final with History Senegal vs Nigeria is more than just a quarter-final. It's a clash rich in history and emotion. The two sides met in the 2015 final in Dakar, which Nigeria won 1-0. The rivalry remains fierce despite the generational changes. 'This is a clash of football DNA,' said Dia. 'Two teams built on intensity, pride, and direct play. But this time, we want to write our own version of the story.' While Nigeria remain unbeaten, their group stage campaign raised questions. The Flying Eagles opened with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, then drew 0-0 with Morocco and surprisingly 2-2 against already-eliminated Kenya. Senegal's coach has responded to his own team's inconsistent form with bold tactical decisions. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam has been moved deeper to stabilize midfield, and striker Ibrahima Dieng rediscovered his scoring touch against DR Congo. But Dia believes the biggest shift has been psychological: 'We worked a lot on the mental side. When the legs are tired, it's the mind that must take over. I told them the DR Congo match was a Round of 16 game — and they won it like one.' A Title to Defend, Not to Inherit Senegal knows the burden of being champions. Every opponent sees them as a target. But Dia refuses to let that pressure weigh down his squad. 'The title belongs to no one — it must be earned again each time. This group is still being built. The AFCON is not just a showcase, it's a mirror.' Senegal's preparation for the tournament included rigorous friendlies, including a test against DR Congo before the start of the finals. The goal, according to Dia, was to 'build a team before chasing trophies.' Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at the Ismailia Stadium. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. 'I've seen my players rise again,' Dia concluded. 'I've seen the pride in their eyes. We are ready.'
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Heavyweights collide as U20 AFCON quarter-final line-up takes shape
Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025 The quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations promise a series of mouthwatering clashes as Africa's most promising young talents square off in four high-stakes encounters on Monday, 12 May. The standout tie sees seven-time champions Nigeria face reigning title holders Senegal in Ismailia in a battle that could decide this year's favourite. Nigeria topped Group B unbeaten but failed to convince in draws against Morocco and already-eliminated Kenya. The Flying Eagles' campaign started brightly with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, but recent results have raised concerns over their cutting edge. Senegal, meanwhile, needed a final-day 2-0 victory over DR Congo to seal qualification as Group C runners-up. After a shaky start—drawing with Central African Republic and falling 1-0 to Ghana—Serigne Saliou Dia's side rediscovered their form just in time. They will now look to draw on the experience of 2023's title-winning run to overcome Nigeria's pedigree. Elsewhere, Ghana, one of the tournament's most consistent sides so far, will face hosts Egypt in Suez. The Black Satellites are the only team to have won all three of their group matches without conceding a goal, including a statement 1-0 victory over Senegal. Their opponents Egypt, however, have had a rocky road to the quarter-finals. The U20 Pharaohs opened with a win against South Africa but were stunned 4-1 by debutants Sierra Leone. Despite a goalless draw with Zambia and a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania, they squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams. Coach Mahmoud Gaber will hope the home advantage helps steady his inconsistent side. Morocco remain one of the favourites for the title, having topped Group B unbeaten despite injuries to key players. After edging Kenya 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with Nigeria, the Atlas Cubs sealed top spot with a commanding 3-1 win over Tunisia. They now face tournament surprise Sierra Leone, whose fairytale run has seen them defeat hosts Egypt 4-1 before narrowly advancing from a tough Group A. Completing the quarter-final line-up is South Africa against DR Congo, a tie between two sides that impressed in flashes but struggled with consistency. Amajita finished top of Group A despite drawing with Egypt and Zambia and suffering a 1-0 loss to the hosts. DR Congo's 3-1 win over CAR and opening draw with Ghana showed promise, but a 2-0 loss to Senegal exposed defensive vulnerabilities. With the group stage complete and just eight teams remaining, the U20 AFCON enters its decisive phase. Will the favourites hold their nerve, or could a dark horse emerge to challenge for continental glory?
CAF
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Senegal coach Dia wary of ‘very difficult' Group C in U20 AFCON title defence
Published: Monday, 05 May 2025 Senegal head coach Serigne Saliou Dia has described Group C of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the most difficult in the competition, as the defending champions have started their campaign in Egypt. The Senegalese werre held to a 1-1 draw by the Central African Republic on Thursday and Dia admitted that they have tough group opponents, which also includes Ghana and DR Congo. 'I can say this is one of the very difficult groups,' Dia told reporters. 'For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo is a team we know very well. They are a team that has been progressing on a daily basis.' Senegal will be aiming to defend the title they won on the same soil in 2023, and Dia is taking nothing for granted after opening their campaign against a Central African Republic side making their third appearance at the tournament. 'The team that I can say I don't know very well is Central Africa Republic, but I know they have been progressing,' Dia said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the competition. Ghana, another continental heavyweight in the group, also earned praise from the Senegalese coach. 'If you look at Ghana, they are also a team that is very progressive. We faced them about a year and a half ago. They are very strong.' Dia said his team is well-prepared and motivated for the task ahead, as Senegal seek to build on recent youth football success and establish themselves as a force in African football development. 'We have prepared well, and the players are motivated,' he added. Senegal's title defence comes under the weight of high expectations, but Dia's remarks signal a grounded approach to what he sees as a challenging path through the group stages. The clash against Ghana on Tuesday will mark the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely competitive group, with all four teams eyeing a place in the knockout stages.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Senegal U20 Profile: Lionceaux aim to defend U-20 AFCON crown
Senegal arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 as defending champions and a team to beat. With a growing reputation for producing elite youth talent, the Lionceaux of Teranga are aiming to retain their title and extend their dominance in African youth football. Under the leadership of Serigne Saliou Dia, the West African giants blend tactical discipline with attacking flair in their pursuit of back-to-back continental triumphs. SENEGAL Reigning African champions at U-20 level, Senegal head into the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 with the ambition of defending their title and reinforcing their dominance in African youth football. The Lionceaux of Teranga have built a solid reputation in recent years, combining disciplined structures, dynamic transitions, and an increasingly rich talent pipeline. Under the guidance of new head coach Serigne Saliou Dia, Senegal's objective is clear: to maintain their winning momentum and continue nurturing the next generation of stars. Their triumph in Egypt in 2023 was historic, marking their first-ever U-20 continental crown. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Senegal qualified for the tournament by winning the WAFU Zone A Championship for the second consecutive time. They defeated Sierra Leone 2-0 in the final, with goals from Cheikh Tidiane Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng sealing the victory. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON Senegal are the reigning champions, having lifted their first-ever U-20 AFCON title in 2023 in Egypt. That campaign was flawless – winning every match including a 2-0 victory in the final over Gambia. They had previously reached the final on three occasions (2015, 2017, 2019) but had fallen short each time. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Serigne Fallou Diouf – The promising centre-back from Génération Foot is highly regarded for his anticipation, tackling, and composed build-up play. Ibrahima Dieng – Nicknamed 'Pauleta' for his clinical finishing, the striker is a constant threat with his intelligent movement, eye for goal, and composure in front of goal. Pierre Dorival – A tenacious defensive midfielder from Olympique Lyonnais, Dorival adds steel and structure to the midfield. Known for his interceptions and precise passing, he plays a key role in maintaining balance and breaking up opposition attacks. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Serigne Saliou Dia, who led Senegal to the U-17 AFCON title, is now in charge of the U-20 side. A tactically astute coach, he is known for adapting his strategies to suit the opposition while maintaining a clear identity of attacking, structured football. Dia emphasizes discipline, team cohesion, and high-intensity pressing, while encouraging creative freedom in the final third. His background in youth development and proven track record make him a valuable figure in Senegal's football structure. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Senegal have been drawn into Group C, where they will face DR Congo, a technically solid side with great ambition and momentum, DR Congo could pose a real threat in the group. Ghana are a structured and cohesive team, Ghana have made consistent progress in youth football and cannot be underestimated. Central African Republic is one of the dark horses of the tournament, Central African Republic have a physical, direct style and will be motivated to make history.
