Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFU-20AfricaCupofNationsEgypt2025
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
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco U20 coach Ouahbi baffled by final loss, turns focus to World Cup
Morocco U-20 coach Mohamed Ouahbi says he is struggling to come to terms with his side's 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, insisting the Atlas Cubs were the dominant side and deserved more. The North Africans fell to a second-half strike from Gomolemo Kekana at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, bringing an end to their unbeaten run and dashing hopes of clinching a rare continental treble across age categories. 'I still don't understand how we didn't win this final,' Ouahbi said in the aftermath of the match. 'We had the upper hand in every aspect – possession, chances, territory, corner kicks – everything. But somehow the trophy slipped through our fingers.' Morocco were bidding to add the U-20 crown to the U-17 title secured in Algeria last month and the U-23 championship won last year. Their 2025 campaign had been near-flawless: they remained unbeaten through the group stages, saw off Sierra Leone after extra time in the quarter-finals, and defeated hosts Egypt in the semi-finals. But despite enjoying long spells of control and creating multiple scoring opportunities against South Africa, they were undone by a moment of brilliance from Kekana in the 70th minute, whose long-range effort flew into the top corner past Moroccan keeper Ismail Lahmami. Ouahbi, however, refused to criticise any of his players for the defeat. 'The boys gave everything. Football can be cruel. You dominate, you dictate, you press, and one moment changes everything. But that's the nature of this sport,' he said. In total, Morocco had 57% possession, completed over 400 passes, and registered more attempts on goal, but were repeatedly denied by a resolute South African backline and their outstanding goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, who was named Man of the Match for his display. 'I want to salute the players for their courage and commitment,' Ouahbi added. 'They are heartbroken now, but this experience will make them stronger. Our focus must now turn to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. We will regroup, learn from this, and represent Morocco with pride.' The Atlas Cubs will take plenty of positives from the tournament. Their ability to control games, their attacking fluency, and the emergence of young stars like Hossam El Sadek, Othmane Maamma, and Hossam Essadak provide optimism ahead of the global stage. Sunday's defeat marked the second time Morocco had contested the U-20 AFCON final, having won the title in 1997 when they hosted the tournament. A second crown appeared within reach after a dominant run to the final, but history did not repeat itself. South Africa, who had never beaten a North African opponent in the competition's history, made history of their own by clinching their first U-20 continental title – becoming the 12th nation to lift the trophy since its inception. Morocco will now reset and begin preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off in September. They will be joined in Chile by fellow African representatives South Africa, Nigeria, and hosts Egypt.
CAF
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON 2025: Best XI unveiled as South Africa dominate
Published: Monday, 19 May 2025 South Africa's golden generation of rising stars were handsomely rewarded for their triumph at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, as the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) announced the official Best XI of the tournament. Unsurprisingly, newly crowned champions South Africa led the way with four players selected in the tournament's best team, including standout goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe and playmaker Tylon Smith, who was also named the Best Player of the tournament. Lowe, who made the most saves (24) during the competition, was instrumental in keeping three clean sheets, including one in the final against Morocco. His safe hands and calm distribution laid the foundation for South Africa's historic first U-20 AFCON title. Midfielder Tylon Smith, who was the playmaker of his team, capped off a stellar campaign by scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Nigeria. His ability to dictate play and rally his team in pressure moments earned him the Best Player award and a key role in the tournament's Best XI. Morocco, runners-up in the final, had four players included in the XI – Othmane Maamma, Hossam Essadak, Hamza Koutoune and Faycal Zahouani – a reflection of their strong, possession-based approach throughout the competition. Sierra Leone's Momoh Kamara, who finished as the tournament's top scorer with four goals, was also included, while Egypt's Mohamed Goweily, Nigeria's Daniel Bameyi, and South Africa's Neo Rapoo and Lazola Maku completed the elite lineup. Coach of the tournament honours went to South Africa's Raymond Mdaka, whose tactical discipline and faith in youth delivered a maiden continental crown for the Amajita. 🏆 Recap: Best XI of the Tournament (1-4-2-3-1): Fletcher Lowe (South Africa) Neo Rapoo (South Africa) Mohamed Goweily (Egypt) Othmane Maamma (Morocco) Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria) Lazola Maku (South Africa) Hossam Essadak (Morocco) Faycal Zahouani (Morocco) Hamza Koutoune (Morocco) Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) Tylon Smith (South Africa) Best Player: Tylon Smith (South Africa) Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals Best Goalkeeper: Fletcher Lowe (South Africa) Best Coach: Raymond Mdaka (South Africa) Fair Play Award: Morocco
CAF
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tylon Smith named Best Player of TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON 2025
Published: Sunday, 18 May 2025 South Africa's Tylon Smith was named Best Player of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, following his pivotal role in guiding the Amajita to their first-ever continental title. The 19-year-old midfielder delivered consistently influential performances throughout the tournament and was instrumental in South Africa's 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday's final at the Cairo International Stadium. Smith, known for his composure, creativity, and ability to dictate the tempo, scored the crucial semi-final winner against Nigeria and proved vital in linking midfield and attack across the campaign. South Africa capped off a historic tournament by sweeping key individual awards. Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was named Best Goalkeeper after keeping four clean sheets and recording the highest number of saves (24) during the tournament. Lowe's composure and reflexes were on full display in the final, where he denied Morocco on several occasions to preserve South Africa's slim lead. While South Africa lifted the trophy and the top two individual honours, Sierra Leone's Momoh Kamara was named the tournament's Top Scorer. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder found the net four times — including a stunning hat-trick against hosts Egypt — and was one of the breakout stars of the competition. Morocco, despite finishing runners-up, were honoured with the Fair Play Award for their discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Complete List of Award Winners – U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025: Best Player: Tylon Smith (South Africa) Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals Best Goalkeeper: Fletcher Lowe (South Africa) Fair Play Award: Morocco
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ouahbi v Mdaka: Meet the tactical masterminds shaping the U20 AFCON 2025 final
As the curtain rises on the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, all eyes will be on the players—but equally pivotal will be the two tacticians on the sidelines. Morocco's seasoned strategist Mohamed Ouahbi and South Africa's rising coach Raymond Mdaka have been the architects of their sides' impressive journeys to Sunday's title decider in Cairo. With both teams already qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, the final offers one last battle for continental supremacy. Ouahbi brings experience and long-term vision, while Mdaka offers energy and tactical evolution. Their contrasting paths—one rooted in elite European youth systems, the other shaped within South Africa's domestic setup—are reflected in the identity and style of the teams they command. With both preferring the 4-2-3-1 formation, fans can expect a chess match between structure and spontaneity. Mohamed Ouahbi: Morocco's Steady Hand Appointed in March 2022, 48-year-old Mohamed Ouahbi has steadily rebuilt Morocco's U-20 side, turning them into a compact, hard-to-beat outfit. The former Anderlecht youth manager spent over a decade shaping young talent in Belgium before taking charge of the Atlas Cubs. At the current U20 AFCON, Ouahbi's side is unbeaten, winning four of five matches and conceding just one goal. His emphasis on tactical discipline and controlling the midfield has paid off. Under his guidance, Morocco have edged out Nigeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, and hosts Egypt. Across five matches, the Atlas Cubs have scored seven goals and conceded just once. His record of 1.88 points per match over 56 games in charge of the Morocco U20s speaks to his consistency. Raymond Mdaka: South Africa's Silent Reformer In contrast, 52-year-old Raymond Mdaka has been in charge for just over a year, having been appointed last year. Despite limited time, Mdaka has transformed South Africa's U20 side into one of the most exciting attacking teams of the tournament. His side has netted seven goals in six games and kept three clean sheets. Mdaka's ability to adapt has been key. After an opening loss to Egypt, the Amajita bounced back with wins over Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and DR Congo, before edging past Nigeria in a hard-fought semi-final. With a win rate of 66.6% at the tournament, Mdaka has led South Africa to their first U20 final since 1997. With two tactically astute coaches, a wealth of young talent, and the continent's biggest youth prize at stake, Sunday's final promises to be a fitting climax to a thrilling tournament. Whether it's Ouahbi's structured approach or Mdaka's attacking flair that prevails, both men have already left their mark on this generation of African football.
