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CAF
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: South Africa battle old foe Nigeria in TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON semi-final
South Africa and Nigeria meet in a heavyweight encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 with a semi-final at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Thursday (kick-off 18:00 local time / 15:00 GMT). It marks the fourth meeting between at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON. In their previous three encounters, Nigeria claimed one victory in open play, South Africa won once on penalties, and the other match ended in a draw. Their first meeting came in the 2009 third-place playoff, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 win. George Maluleka opened the scoring for South Africa in the 8th minute, before Ibrahim Rabiu equalized in the 15th minute and Frank Temile netted the winner just before halftime. In 2019, the teams met twice – once in the group stage and again in the third-place playoff. Both games ended 0-0, with South Africa winning the playoff 5-3 on penalties to take the bronze medal. SOUTH AFRICA FACTS · By reaching the semi-finals, South Africa have secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, marking their fifth appearance at the global finals. · It will also be their first U-20 World Cup appearance in South America, having previously featured in editions hosted in Asia (Malaysia and South Korea), Africa (Egypt), and Europe (Poland). · After a 1-0 opening defeat to hosts Egypt, South Africa have gone unbeaten in four matches (W3 D1). They recorded back-to-back group stage wins against Tanzania (1-0) and Sierra Leone (4-1), drew 1-1 with Zambia, and then edged DR Congo 1-0 in the quarter-finals. · Their three wins at this tournament represent their most in open play at a single edition. · This is South Africa's fifth appearance in the semi-finals. They have reached this stage in 1997, 2009, 2017, and 2019, advancing beyond the group stage three times in a row now. On two occasions – 1997 and 2019 – they made the last four after failing to win their opening match. · In 1997, they lost to Côte d'Ivoire but went on to finish as runners-up; in 2019, a draw with Niger led to a third-place finish. · South Africa's semi-final record, including penalty shootouts, reads: P4 W1 L3. Their only win came against Ghana in 1997 (1-1 draw, 4-3 on penalties). · They have since lost three straight semi-finals: a 4-3 defeat to Ghana in 2009 after trailing 4-1, a 1-0 extra-time loss to hosts Zambia in 2017, and a 1-0 loss to Senegal in 2019 via an own goal by Givemore Khupe. All of South Africa's semi-final losses have come in open play. · This will be South Africa's fourth match at the Suez Canal Stadium in this tournament. They have a perfect record at the venue so far, beating Tanzania 1-0, Sierra Leone 4-1, and DR Congo 1-0. · Their other two matches – against Egypt (1-0 loss) and Zambia (1-1 draw) – were played at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. · The win over DR Congo was South Africa's first knockout victory in open play at the tournament in nine attempts. Their only other knockout wins came via penalties against Ghana in 1997 and Nigeria in 2019. · They have won both of their shootouts at the finals: 4-3 against Ghana in 1997 and 5-3 against Nigeria in 2019. · South Africa have gone four matches unbeaten (W3 D1) for the first time in the competition's history. They have faced West African opponents in three knockout matches before, winning only once – on penalties against Ghana in 1997. They lost semi-finals to Ghana (2009) and Senegal (2019). · Thabang Mahlangu scored the winner against DR Congo, his third of the tournament and South Africa's seventh goal overall. Another goal would make him the first South African to score four goals at the finals since Luther Singh in 2017. Mahlangu is currently the second-highest scorer in the tournament, one behind Sierra Leone's Momoh Kamara. · Shakeel April provided the assist for Mahlangu's goal, taking his tournament tally to three goal involvements (one goal, two assists) – the highest for any South African player. · South Africa completed 406 of 509 attempted passes in the quarter-final win over DR Congo, achieving a passing accuracy of 79.8%. · Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe has made 19 saves – more than any other keeper at the tournament. NIGERIA FACTS · Nigeria began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, followed by a 0-0 draw with Morocco and a 2-2 draw with Kenya. · They then beat Senegal on penalties (3-1) after a goalless draw in the quarter-finals. Their only victory in open play came in their opener against Tunisia. · They have conceded just two goals in four matches – the fewest among the semi-finalists – and kept three clean sheets, tied with Egypt for the most, despite having played one fewer game. · This is Nigeria's 17th appearance in the semi-finals. They are aiming for a record-extending 10th final and a first since 2015. They previously reached the final in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2015. · This is their ninth consecutive semi-final appearance in tournaments they have qualified for. · Nigeria's overall semi-final record (including penalty shootouts) is P16 W9 L7. They have lost their last two – against Gambia in 2023 and Mali on penalties in 2019. Their last semi-final win came in 2015 against Ghana. Prior to that, they lost to Egypt in 2013. · Their current streak of nine consecutive semi-final appearances is their best ever. Their previous best run was six consecutive appearances from 1979 to 1989, during which they won four titles (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989). · Since 2005, in a run of eight straight semi-final appearances, Nigeria have won four and lost four. In the last four semi-finals they won, they went on to win the title three times – in 2005, 2011, and 2015 – finishing runners-up in 2007. · When the tournament has been held in North Africa, Nigeria have always reached the semi-finals. · Nigeria's record in penalty shootouts stands at P4 W2 L2. They beat Morocco in the 2005 semi-finals (2-2, 5-3 on penalties) and Senegal in the current quarter-finals (0-0, 3-1 on penalties). · Their two shootout losses came in 2019 – against Mali in the semi-finals (1-1, lost on penalties) and South Africa in the third-place playoff (0-0, lost on penalties). · They have managed just three goals en route to the semi-finals – their lowest ever tally to reach this stage. Despite having seven shots on target in their quarter-final against Senegal, they failed to score. · Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made five saves against Senegal – his highest in a single game – and has kept three clean sheets, tied for the most with Egypt's Abdel Monem Tamer and Zambia's Levison Banda, both of whom have played an extra game. · In their last two matches, Nigeria's opponents registered five shots on target each. The only goals conceded came in the 2-2 draw with Kenya. · This is Nigeria's second match at the Suez Canal Stadium, following their quarter-final win over Senegal. Their three group stage matches were played in Cairo.
CAF
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Emmanuel Eboué charts new path in football at TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON, Egypt 2025
Former Cote d'Ivoire international Emmanuel Eboué is an Assistant General Coordinator (AGC) at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON, Egypt 2025 The first semi-final of the tournament sees South Africa face Nigeria on Thursday at 15:00 GMT Hosts Egypt meet Morocco in the second semi-final later that evening at 18:00 GMT There has been a familiar face behind the scenes at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 with former Cote d'Ivoire international Emmanuel Eboué part of the team that is managing the event. Ex-Arsenal and Galatasaray defender Eboué is working as an Assistant General Coordinator (AGC), bringing the knowledge of a nine-year international career, which included the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to the competition. 'I am so happy to do the job, even though I know it's not easy,' Eboué told CAFOnline. 'I am happy to participate in this tournament because it is a very good thing for the young players to see a legend like me.' Eboué was also present at the recent TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON, Morocco 2025 and says he is learning the ropes off the pitch, having been a world-class star on it. 'Football is my job, people who know me do so because of football. So when I received the first email from CAF to be the AGC for the Under-17 AFCON in Morocco, I was so happy. 'Now I am here in Egypt for the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON too. I am learning, it's not an easy job but to be on the pitch every game is a thrill.' Eboué admits the role has been an eye-opener, even for a former player who once graced many continental and global tournaments. 'I didn't know that before players come to the pitch, there has to be a lot done behind the scenes. So now, I am learning a lot about what goes into organizing a tournament like this. 'You have to organise meetings, you have to print a lot of papers for the teams that are playing. You also have to be ready to assist the players when they come. 'That's the job of the AGC and the GC (General Coordinator). You have to be with the kit boys, you have to show them how be on the pitch with the flags.' Eboué retired in 2016 when many players currently involved in the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON in Egypt were only 10 or so years old. He has been happy to make some new fans. 'Some boys don't know who I am but when their coach tells them, 'this is Emmanuel Eboué', they go on Google to search and know more about me. It's wonderful to see them take pictures with me,' Eboué said. He thanks CAF for giving him the opportunity to still serve the game beyond his playing days, something many former players are not able to achieve. 'After retiring from football, I had to think about the next step and CAF has given me this opportunity and I'm grateful,' he said. 'One of the biggest challenges African players face is planning for life after football. As a player, you have to think about your future and what you'll do when you retire.' For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, visit -ENDS- Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
07-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: CAR and Ghana clash in crucial final Group C game at TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON
Central African Republic (CAR) face Ghana in a crucial final group stage match at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday, with both sides vying for a place in the quarter-finals (kick-off 18:00 local time / 15:00 GMT). CAR must win to advance, while Ghana only need a point to secure progression in this first-ever meeting between the two teams at the U20 AFCON finals. Ghana become the fourth West African side that CAR have faced in the finals. So far, CAR have struggled against West African teams, losing 3-1 to Burkina Faso and 3-0 to Gambia in 2021. At the current tournament, they earned a draw against Senegal. For Ghana, this will be their second match in this edition against Central African opposition. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Including past editions, Ghana have now faced Cameroon, DRC, and CAR at the finals. Ghana's all-time record against Central African nations in the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON stands at played 7, won 2, drawn 4 and lost 1 Ghana's last three games against Central African teams have all ended 1-1. Their last win came in the 2009 final against Cameroon. They also defeated Cameroon in the 1993 final. Their only loss to a Central African side was a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon in the 1993 group stage. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC FACTS Lost their last match 3-1 to DRC, conceding three goals for the third time in TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON history. Have scored first in four matches at the finals but only won once – a 2-1 victory over Tunisia in 2021. Currently on a six-game winless streak (D2 L4) since that win over Tunisia. CAR have never lost a final group game. They beat Tunisia 2-1 in 2021 and drew 0-0 with Congo in 2023. Victory could see them reach the quarter-finals for the second time, after 2021. Conceded 10 shots on target vs DRC – their highest in a single TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON match. Goalkeeper Boarnages Malimoto made 7 saves against DRC, equalling the national record set by Mauril Abimala in 2023. Have faced 13 shots on target in two games so far in this tournament. Have kept just one clean sheet in nine TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON matches – a 0-0 draw vs Congo in 2023. GHANA FACTS Unbeaten so far: drew 1-1 with DRC and defeated Senegal 1-0. All three goals in their matches have come in the first 25 minutes. Competing in their 13th TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON group stage; aiming to reach the knockouts for a 10th time. They've failed to progress only in 2003, 2011, and 2019. Record in final group games since 1991 reads played 12, won 4, drew 4, lost 4. Lost their last three final group matches, 1-0 to Mali in both 2015 and 2019, and 2-1 to Gambia in 2021. Their last win was 2-0 against Algeria in 2013. Had 50% possession in the win over Senegal and 57.8% in the draw with DRC. Managed only 3 shots on target vs Senegal while facing 8. Goalkeeper Gidios Aseako made 8 saves vs Senegal – the highest by any goalkeeper at the current TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON finals. Have scored two goals from 14 shots, giving them a conversion rate of 14.29%. Accumulated 7 yellow cards in two matches – the second-highest tally after Tanzania (8). Four cautions came in their win over Senegal.
CAF
06-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Winner-takes-all battle between Tunisia and Morocco in Group B
North African heavyweights Tunisia and Morocco meet once again at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Stadium on Ismailia on Wednesday (kick-off 18:00 local time / 15:00 GMT), rekindling a rivalry that dates back to 1981. The outcome of this Group B match could determine the pool winner, depending on Nigeria's result against Kenya. Victory for either would see them advance. A draw will be enough for Morocco to progress to the knockout stages. Tunisia, meanwhile, could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams with a draw. Their previous encounters at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON include a two-legged first-round clash in 1981 – where each side won 1-0 at home before Tunisia edged through 6-5 on penalties – and a dramatic quarterfinal meeting in 2021, which ended 0-0 before Tunisia advanced with a 4-1 shootout victory in Nouadhibou. The teams most recently faced off in qualifying for this edition during the 2024 UNAF Tournament. That match, held at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia last November, saw Tunisia take an early lead through Khalil Ayari, only for Morocco to come back with second-half goals from Mouad Dahak and Reda Laalaoui to win 2-1. TUNISIA FACTS · Tunisia lost their opening game to Nigeria but bounced back with a 3-1 win over Kenya, coming from behind. · They have never won back-to-back group matches at the tournament. · The victory over Kenya ended a three-match losing streak in open play. · Tunisia are aiming for a third quarterfinal appearance, having reached the last eight in 1985, 2021, and 2023. · In their final group games, Tunisia lost 2-1 to Central African Republic in 2021 and beat Zambia 2-1 in 2023. · Tunisia have conceded in each of their last six matches at the finals – their last clean sheet came in a 0-0 draw against Benin in 2021. · Against Kenya, Tunisia attempted 300 passes, 171 of which were in the opposition half. · They also recorded five shots on target – their highest tally in a match at the current tournament. MOROCCO FACTS · Morocco drew 0-0 with Nigeria in their last match and need just a point to reach the knockout rounds for a third straight tournament. They were semi-finalists in 2005 and quarter-finalists in 2021. · Since the introduction of group stages, Morocco have exited in the first round twice (1993 and 2003) and progressed beyond it in 1997, 2005, and 2021. · Morocco are unbeaten in their last eight group-stage matches at the finals (W5 D3). · Their last group-stage loss was a 4-0 defeat to Egypt in 2003. · In each of their last three tournaments, Morocco have won their opening group match and drawn the second. · A draw would mark the first time Morocco have had back-to-back group-stage draws. · Morocco's record in final group matches stands at P5 W3 L2. Wins include 2-0 vs Senegal (1993), 1-0 vs Angola (2005), and 3-0 vs Tanzania (2021). · Historically, when Morocco have drawn their second group game, they've gone on to win the third (as in 2005 and 2021). · If they avoid defeat here, Morocco will finish a group stage unbeaten for the fourth time (joining 1997, 2005, and 2021). · Othmane Maamma has created five chances so far – more than any other Moroccan player in this tournament. · The draw with Nigeria was the first time across the 2021 and current editions that Morocco failed to register a shot on target. · Morocco boast five clean sheets in their last six games at the finals, with their only concession being in a 3-2 win over Kenya. · They have also kept clean sheets in their last group matches in 2005 (1-0 vs Angola), all three group games in 2021, and most recently vs Nigeria.
CAF
04-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Morocco, Nigeria in heavyweight clash in Group B
Two decades after their first and only previous encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco and Nigeria will face off once again in their second Group B match in Cairo on Sunday (kick-off 21:00 local time / 18:00 GMT). The two teams last met in the semi-finals of the 2005 tournament, playing to a thrilling 2-2 draw before Nigeria triumphed 5-3 in a penalty shootout. In that match, Mouhssine Iajour gave Morocco an early lead in the 11th minute. Solomon Okoronkwo equalized for Nigeria in the 53rd minute, but Iajour struck again in the 101st minute. Victor Obinna then leveled the score for Nigeria in the 114th minute, forcing penalties where Nigeria ultimately emerged victorious. MOROCCO FACTS · Morocco began this year's tournament with an impressive 3-2 comeback win against Kenya. That result extended their unbeaten run in open play at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON finals to 10 matches (W5 D5), with their last defeat coming in the group stage of the 2003 tournament, a 4-0 loss to Egypt. · They are also unbeaten in their last seven group-stage matches at the finals (W5 D2). · The five-goal thriller against Kenya was the first time Morocco had been involved in such a high-scoring game at the finals since their 4-1 loss to Egypt in 1997. · Historically, Morocco have never started a group-stage tournament with two consecutive wins. On both previous occasions when they won their opening match – against Lesotho in 2005 and Gambia in 2021 – they failed to win the second, drawing 2-2 with Egypt and 0-0 with Ghana, respectively. · Since 1993, when group stages became standard, Morocco's record in their second group game is: Played 5, Won 1, Drawn 2, Lost 2. Their only win in that span came in 1997 on home soil, a 2-0 victory over Sudan. · They have drawn their second match in each of their last two appearances (2005 and 2021) and lost in 1993 (4-1 to Egypt) and 2003 (1-0 to Côte d'Ivoire). · In their win over Kenya, Morocco recorded nine shots on target – the most of any team in the first round of matches. · Ismaël Baouf completed 69 passes, the most by any player in that game. Saad El Haddad had a perfect tackle success rate, winning all six of his challenges. · Yassir Zabiri scored twice from three shots on target, while Reda Laalaoui netted the game-winner in the 87th minute with his only shot on target. NIGERIA FACTS · Nigeria will be playing their 99th match at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON and are seeking their 57th win. · They started their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia, courtesy of Auwal Ibrahim's goal in the 38th minute. · The last time Nigeria began the tournament with back-to-back wins was in 2015, when they defeated Senegal 3-1 and Congo 4-1. They also achieved this feat in 1999 and 2005. · Since 1993, Nigeria's record in their second group match stands at: Played 12, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 3. · They are unbeaten in their last four second group games (W3 D1), with their last defeat coming in 2011 - a 1-0 loss to Cameroon. Their most dominant second-game win came in 1999, a 5-0 thrashing of Malawi. · In their win over Tunisia, Nigeria attempted 399 passes. Divine Oliseh was involved in 19 duels, more than any other Nigerian player. · Both Oliseh and Caleb Ochedikwu won 11 duels each, the most in the match. Emmanuel Chukwu led the game with eight clearances.
