Latest news with #TOTALENERGIESCAFU-20AFCON
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya U-20 Profile: Rising Stars set sights on debut statement in Egypt
Kenya's U-20 national team, the Rising Stars, are preparing for a historic first appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025. After a commanding qualifying campaign, the East African nation will be looking to carry their momentum into Group B, where they face continental heavyweights Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The Rising Stars qualified by finishing runners-up at the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, going unbeaten throughout the tournament and showcasing their attacking flair with 14 goals scored and just one conceded. A 4-0 win over Burundi in the semi-finals underlined their credentials, and while they fell to Tanzania in the final, their run confirmed Kenya's emergence as a rising force in youth football. Led by head coach Salim Babu, the team is built on tactical discipline and quick transitions, blending defensive resilience with pace and creativity in attack. Kenya enters the tournament as underdogs, but with a confident squad and nothing to lose, they will be eager to make their mark on the continental is the full profile: KENYA Kenya's U-20 Men's National Team, known as the Rising Stars, enters the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with high hopes following an impressive qualifying run. Their journey to the continental tournament has been marked by resilience and a hunger for success, and the squad is determined to show their potential on the big stage. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Kenya secured their spot at the finals by finishing as runners-up in the CECAFA U-20 Qualifiers. Their road to the finals saw them dominate the competition with a series of excellent performances, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semi-finals. The Rising Stars went unbeaten throughout the tournament, with four wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding just one. Despite falling short in the final to Tanzania, their overall display showed the world that Kenya's youth football is on the rise. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This marks Kenya's first participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 AFCON, with the team eager to make an impact at the continental level. While the Rising Stars are yet to earn silverware in this age category, their consistent development at youth levels suggests that they will be a formidable force in the competition. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Amos Wanjala – The team captain, Wanjala is a leader both on and off the pitch. His vision and passing ability will be crucial in dictating the tempo of Kenya's play. Manzur Okwaro – A solid presence at the back, Okwaro's leadership and defensive solidity make him one of Kenya's most reliable players. Ezekiel Omuri – A dynamic forward, Omuri's speed and technical ability make him a constant threat in front of goal. His clinical finishing will be vital in their tournament run. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH The Rising Stars are under the guidance of Salim Babu, the head coach of Nairobi City Stars, who is also overseeing the U-17 and U-18 national teams. Babu's approach is built on an organized defensive structure and quick transitions to attack. His goal is to create a balanced squad capable of controlling possession while also being effective on counterattacks. The squad's focus will be on maintaining discipline, creativity in midfield, and clinical finishing in the final third. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Kenya has been drawn into Group B, alongside record seven-time champions Nigeria, former champions Tunisia as well as Morocco. The Rising Stars will have tough encounters across all their group stages and will need to dig deep against their more fancied opponents. Kenya will need to step up and maintain their unbeaten form to navigate this tough group and progress to the knockout stages. With a mix of experienced players and young talents, the Rising Stars are focused on making a strong statement at this year's TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco U-20 Profile: Atlas Cubs chase second title in Egypt
Published: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 Morocco arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 as one of the leading contenders to lift the title. Drawn into a competitive Group B with Nigeria, Tunisia and Kenya, the Atlas Cubs are determined to capitalise on the country's growing youth development reputation. With their only U-20 title dating back to 1997, Morocco are eager to end a 28-year wait and reaffirm their standing among the continent's elite. Below is the fill profile: MOROCCO Morocco's U-20 team is one of the top candidates to lift the trophy in Egypt. The Atlas Cubs will be housed in Group B, along with Nigeria, Tunisia and Kenya. Winner of this tournament for the only time in 1997, the Cherifian Kingdom hopes to reconnect with this trophy and thus reward the efforts that the country has made in recent years to become a leader in the training of young footballers on the continent. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Morocco qualified for the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by winning the UNAF zonal tournament held in November 2024 in Egypt. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON Morocco will play in Egypt, its seventh TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. In addition to winning the trophy in 1997, the Atlas Cubs have been quarter-finalists three times. They were also third in 1987 and fourth in 2005. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Naoufel El Hannach – Paris Saint Germain Espoir defender Naoufel El Hannach (18 years old) is one of the key elements of the Moroccan selection. He is a rough defender who also knows how to be valuable during his offensive comebacks, as illustrated by his goal against Libya in the qualifying tournament of the UNAF zone. Saâd El Haddad – Aged 19, Saâd El Haddad is one of the main figures of the Moroccan attack. With two goals, he finished as the team's top scorer in the UNAF zone qualification tournament. A lot of hopes rest on the shoulders of the Venizia player in Serie A. With his immense talent, he has the means to meet the expectations placed on him. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Mohammed Ouahbi will be in charge of leading the Moroccan team to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Egypt. The 48-year-old technician appointed head of this selection in March 2022 has only one ambition: to bring the trophy back to Morocco. To achieve this, the UEFA Pro Licence holder will rely on his philosophy based on ball possession. The former coach of the Anderlecht youth academy in Belgium likes to see his team master the game but at the same time be effective on the offensive side. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Morocco will arrive in Egypt with the clear intention of bringing the trophy home. He will be called upon to raise the level in a difficult group where he rubs shoulders with Nigeria, the most successful team of the tournament with seven trophies to its credit, Tunisia and Kenya.
