Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFU-20AfricaCupofNations
CAF
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Zubairu proud of Nigeria's bronze as Egypt boss Nabih eyes World Cup rebuild
Published: Tuesday, 20 May 2025 Nigeria's head coach Aliyu Zubairu expressed his pride in his team after they secured third place for a record-extending fifth time in the history of the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations. This comes after the Flying Eagles' 4-1 penalty shootout win over hosts Egypt in the third-place play-off at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. 'The match was tight. It came down to nerve and execution,' Zubairu told reporters. 'We knew Egypt would be strong at home, but my boys stayed calm. We showed maturity in the shootout.' Nigeria's run to the semi-finals had included a penalty shootout win over holders Senegal in the quarters, but their hopes of a ninth final were dashed by South Africa in the semi-final. 'We felt we were the better team in the semi-final, so this bronze means a lot. It's a statement of our consistency and potential heading into the World Cup,' Zubairu said. Both Egypt and Nigeria now turn their attention to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, where they will represent Africa alongside Morocco and South Africa. Meanwhile, Egypt U-20 head coach Osama Nabih has issued a public apology to fans following his side's 4-1 penalty shootout loss to Nigeria in the third-place play-off at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The hosts were left heartbroken at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo after a 1-1 draw in regulation time ended in disappointment from the spot, denying the Pharaohs a place on the podium. 'We reached one of our key objectives by qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile,' Nabih said in the post-match press conference. 'But I must apologise to the Egyptian fans for not securing a medal in front of our home crowd.' Egypt had taken the lead early through Osama Omar but were pegged back in the second half by Nigeria's Bidemi Amole. The match went to penalties, where the Pharaohs missed three of their four attempts, sealing their fate. Nabih highlighted the challenges his team faced, including key absentees. 'We were without nine influential players due to injury and fatigue. These boys gave everything, and I thank them for their courage in very difficult conditions,' he added. The 48-year-old coach, who took over the side just weeks before the tournament, praised the backing from the Egyptian Football Association and national team coach Hossam Hassan, calling their support 'instrumental to our progress.' Egypt's campaign saw them reach the semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Ghana, before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco ended their title dreams. It was their first appearance in the last four since 2011. Despite the bronze medal setback, Nabih insisted preparations for the U-20 World Cup must begin immediately. 'We have just three months before Chile. This experience will harden us. We must focus and regroup,' he said.
CAF
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa crowned U-20 AFCON champions after historic win over Morocco
South Africa won their maiden TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday night's final at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo. Gomolemo Kekana's stunning second-half strike proved decisive, as the Southern Africans claimed the trophy and rewrote history by overcoming a North African opponent in the tournament for the first time. The only goal of the final came in the 70th minute when Kekana unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from outside the box, bending the ball into the top corner. The goal, awarded after a VAR review, broke the deadlock in a tense contest dominated by tactical discipline and defensive organisation. Kekana's goal capped a superb tournament for South Africa, who had never reached a U-20 AFCON final since 1997, when they lost to Morocco. This time, they flipped the script, avenging that defeat to lift the trophy and become the 12th different nation to win the title. Both sides entered the final unbeaten, boasting some of the tournament's best defensive records. Morocco, the more fluid side in the first half, created better chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was once again in inspired form. South Africa, who had grown into the competition after losing their opener to Egypt, showed resilience and patience. Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi had half chances, but neither side managed to find the net before the break. The second half opened up with Morocco pushing forward, with Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal coming close. However, the North Africans were wasteful in front of goal, and South Africa's high pressing eventually paid dividends. After Kekana's wonder goal, South Africa soaked up pressure with commendable discipline. Morocco threw men forward in search of an equaliser, but South Africa's backline — led by Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba — held firm. South Africa's victory marks their first-ever youth continental triumph and adds them to a growing list of recent debut winners, following Senegal's 2023 success. It also broke their jinx against North African opposition, ending a run of five previous defeats — all by a single goal margin. Fletcher Lowe ended the tournament with the most saves (24), underlining South Africa's defensive resolve. Kekana's goal was only their ninth of the campaign, but every strike proved crucial as they edged past DR Congo, Nigeria and now Morocco in the knockout rounds. For Morocco, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to win a second title. They came into the final unbeaten in 14 U-20 AFCON matches in open play, but Sunday's loss — their first defeat of the tournament — was a bitter blow. Despite impressive performances throughout the tournament, their wait for a second crown continues.
CAF
17-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Experts praise African youth football's tactical maturity and coaching evolution
As Morocco and South Africa prepare for Sunday's final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, five technical experts and international scouts attending the tournament say Africa's football is not just growing — it has already evolved significantly. For the respected members of the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) and global scouts who have followed the tournament closely, the competition has not only revealed future stars but also highlighted how far African youth football has matured tactically and mentally. 'People often say African football is growing, but I always tell them it has already grown,' said Daniel Amokachi, former Nigerian international and TSG member said when they met the media to reveal their findings at the competition being played in Egypt. 'If it hadn't, we wouldn't have so many top African players competing all over the world.' That belief is at the heart of the buzz surrounding Sunday's final. The tournament has shown a clear shift in how African youth teams approach the game — from tactics to discipline to coaching behaviour on the touchline. Amokachi, a former Everton striker who is also a trained coach, said one of the standout signs of progress is the composure of the coaches. 'In the past, young African coaches would bark instructions non-stop. I've been there myself — shouting from the touchline,' he recalled. 'But now, even when teams are behind, coaches stay composed. They communicate with clarity and confidence. That's a major step forward.' It is not just about coaching demeanor — on the pitch, tactical evolution has also been evident. Walter Steenbok, a former Technical Director at the South African Football Association and a TSG member, noted that most of the tournament's decisive moments — goals, assists, and chances — have come from wide areas. But there's nuance in how teams are now exploiting those flanks. 'We're seeing many players now play on the opposite wings — like right-footed players on the left — and cutting inside to shoot or link up,' Steenbok observed. 'There's also great discipline. Even when trailing, players stick to tactical plans and don't panic.' That mental strength has been exemplified by both Morocco and South Africa — two teams that have navigated tricky matches with consistency, structure, and cool heads. Morocco have been defensively resolute and disciplined, conceding just once in open play, while South Africa's progression — including a tight 1-0 semi-final win over Nigeria — was built on tactical discipline and smart transitions. 'Adaptability is one of the hallmarks of this generation,' said Mohamed Magassouba, a long-serving coach who previously led teams in Mali and DR Congo. 'Teams are now switching styles during games, adjusting formations, and managing tempo. This reflects quality coaching and strong youth training structures.' Magassouba believes Africa is now producing tactically aware players whose understanding of the game mirrors that of their counterparts in Europe and South America. 'You see teams whose structures resemble what we see in Brazil or Europe,' he added. 'African youth football is on the right path — there's no doubt about it.' The Technical Study Group's conclusions were supported by international scouts like Romain Albaric from FC Sion in Switzerland, who highlighted the growing quality at grassroots levels. 'The development gap is closing. In places like Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, academies are producing players ready for Europe much quicker than before,' Albaric said. 'The progress is real. It's impressive.' For Bennard Yao Kumordzi, who scouts for Belgian side K.R.C. Genk, what stood out most was how close the technical level of play is becoming between Africa and Europe. 'Some teams here tried to play direct, and though they didn't always deal with the second balls as we would in Europe, the gap is smaller than people think,' he said. 'We definitely saw players who could take the next step and succeed in top leagues.' The scouts also praised individual talents, though they were cautious — noting that clubs like Genk and Sion have very high standards. But with South Africa and Morocco set to battle for continental glory, the bigger picture of this tournament is perhaps its role in shaping a new identity for African football — one that blends natural flair with tactical precision, emotional control, and global readiness. 'Finishing still needs work — it's a weakness across the continent,' Amokachi noted. 'But the key is creating chances. Once the chances are there, the goals will come. And in this tournament, we've seen plenty of chances.' As the curtain prepares to fall on the 2025 edition of the CAF U-20 AFCON, there is an unmistakable sense that African football's future is not just bright — it is already lighting up the present.
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Four to Watch: Stars set to shine in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON final
Published: Friday, 16 May 2025 As the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt nears its climax, all eyes turn to the eagerly awaited final between Morocco and South Africa on Sunday in Cairo. Both sides have impressed throughout the tournament, earning hard-fought victories in the semi-finals and showing depth, resilience, and flair in their run to the title decider. At the heart of these performances lie a handful of exceptional young talents—players who have not only carried their teams forward but are also expected to play pivotal roles in determining who lifts the trophy. Among those set to take centre stage are two Moroccan stars—midfield anchor Reda Laalaoui and the versatile forward Jones El Abdellaoui—as well as South Africa's attacking spark Thabang Mahlangu and midfield maestro Shakeel April. With goals, assists, and standout performances, these four have defined their nations' tournament narratives and could now etch their names into history. 1. Thabang Mahlangu (South Africa, Supersport United, Age 19) Mahlangu has been one of the tournament's breakout stars. The Supersport United forward has played in six matches, scoring three crucial goals—including a match-winning strike against DR Congo in the quarter-finals. He earned a Man of the Match rating of 7.8 in that game and another solid 6.7 against Nigeria in the semi-final. A livewire with sharp movement and instinctive finishing, Mahlangu's influence in the final third could be South Africa's trump card on Sunday. 2. Shakeel April (South Africa, Cape Town City, Age 19) Another key cog in South Africa's run, April is a dynamic midfielder with a knack for unlocking defences. In five matches played, April has registered one goal and one assist—most notably setting up Mahlangu's winner against DR Congo. His technical skill and vision were on full display in that quarter-final, where he posted a good match rating. Despite a minor injury in the semi-final against Nigeria, April's creativity remains vital in the final. 3. Jones El Abdellaoui (Morocco, Celta Vigo, Age 19) The Spanish-based forward has featured in three matches for Morocco and made them count—scoring against Egypt in the semi-final and notching a 7.6 rating in just 26 minutes. The Celta Vigo man brings top-level experience and clinical finishing to Morocco's attack. His goal against the hosts secured their place in the final and showed he has the temperament for big moments. 4. Reda Laalaoui (Morocco, FUS Rabat, Age 20) Morocco's midfield general, Laalaoui has been instrumental in their journey to the final. The FUS Rabat star has started four matches, earning rave reviews for his control and consistency. His 8.1-rated display over 120 minutes against Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals stood out as one of the tournament's best individual performances. Calm under pressure and precise in distribution, Laalaoui's leadership and poise will be essential in the final.
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Final: Morocco, South Africa to lock horns in a 1997 repeat Final
Twenty-eight years after their first TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON continental showdown in the final, Morocco and South Africa will meet once again in a repeat of the 1997 final when they clash on Sunday in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title decider Egypt. That 1997 encounter ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Morocco, sealing their first and only TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON crown. Now, nearly three decades later, the Young Atlas Lions will be aiming to recapture that historic success, while South Africa are determined to turn the tables and claim their maiden continental title at this level. Both teams punched their tickets to the final with gritty 1-0 wins in Thursday's semi-finals. South Africa saw off Nigeria thanks to a header from Michael Smith, while Morocco overcame tournament hosts Egypt, courtesy of a composed finish from Jones El Abdellaoui. Morocco have impressed with their defensive solidity and tactical cohesion, boasting a run of clean sheets in the knockout stages. Led by a confident backline and opportunistic forwards, they carry momentum and the weight of history into Sunday's clash. South Africa, meanwhile, have grown in strength as the tournament has progressed. Their victory over a highly-rated Nigerian side was a statement of intent, and coach Vela Khumalo's charges will be desperate to lift the trophy that narrowly eluded them in 1997, just a year after their seniors lifted the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on home soil. With continental glory, pride, and redemption at stake, the final is poised to deliver a captivating battle between two nations with unfinished business on the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON stage.
