Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFU-20AfricaCupofNations2025
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
27-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa U20 Profile: Amajita aim high after COSAFA U-20 triumph
South Africa's U-20 national team, Amajita, arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with renewed belief and momentum after conquering the COSAFA region. Their unbeaten run and title-winning display at the COSAFA U-20 Championship underlined the team's defensive solidity and attacking firepower. Coach Raymond Mdaka's side will now be looking to replicate that success on the continental stage. With a blend of homegrown rising stars and tactical discipline, Amajita are aiming to go further than ever before at this year's tournament in Egypt. Below is the full profile of the South Africa U20 team: SOUTH AFRICA South Africa's U-20 team, Amajita, enters the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a strong sense of confidence following an outstanding campaign at the COSAFA U-20 Championship. After lifting their first COSAFA U-20 Championship crown in four years, Amajita are now focused on continuing their form in Côte d'Ivoire. HOW THEY QUALIFIED South Africa's qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 came with an emphatic performance at the COSAFA U-20 Championship. Amajita went unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing five wins and keeping five clean sheets. Their dominant performances included a 2-0 victory over Zambia in the final, where goals from Shandre Campbell and Jody Ah Shene sealed the title. Amajita's high defensive standards and clinical attacking play were key to their success, with Campbell being named Player of the Tournament, while Ashene won the Golden Boot for his four goals. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This will be South Africa's fifth appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with their best finish being a semi-final spot in 1997. Amajita's solid defensive record in the COSAFA tournament has bolstered their reputation, and they are hoping to make a deep run in the tournament and challenge for a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Kutlwano Lethlaku – The Mamelodi Sundowns right winger has made his breakthrough season with The Brazilians this campaign and has already left his mark. He has pace, skill on the ball and an eye for goal. Jody Ah Shene – The tournament's top scorer with four goals, Ashene has the pace and technical ability to trouble any defense. His goal-scoring form will be crucial in South Africa's bid for success. Fletcher Smythe-Lowe – The Golden Glove winner at the COSAFA Championship, Smythe-Lowe's solid performances between the posts were key to South Africa's success. His shot-stopping ability and leadership will be crucial at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Under coach Raymond Mdaka, Amajita's approach is built on a solid defensive structure, adaptability, and counter-attacking play. Mdaka has emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline at the back while being clinical in attack. The use of versatile formations and player rotations allows Amajita to adapt to various situations and high-stakes games. With a solid defense and potent attackers, Amajita are one of the teams to watch at the finals. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Amajita have been drawn into a challenging Group A, where they will face hosts and three-time winners Egypt, along with local rivals Zambia, Sierra Leone as well as Tanzania. With a strong squad and a winning mentality, Amajita will look to advance from the group stage and go all the way this time around.
