Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFU20AfricaCupofNationsEgypt2025
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Keita own goal sends Morocco into last four, books World Cup ticket
Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 Morocco edged debutants Sierra Leone 1-0 in extra time to book their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, thanks to a dramatic late own goal from Amara Keita. The tense quarter-final clash at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Monday saw the North Africans dominate proceedings but struggle to break down a resolute Sierra Leone defence. It was a heartbreaking end for the tournament debutants, who pushed Morocco all the way before a cruel deflection settled the tie. The decisive moment arrived in the 115th minute when Keita inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, giving Morocco a place in the final four and sealing their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Sierra Leone's resistance was gallant throughout, despite being reduced to ten men in regulation time. Substitute Samba Bah was sent off following a VAR review in the 90th minute for a reckless challenge, leaving the West Africans to navigate extra time a man down. Morocco, Group B winners and one of the tournament favourites, had entered the match unbeaten in their last 12 games in open play at the U20 AFCON. Despite creating several chances through Jones El Abdellaoui, Ismaël Baouf, and Adam El Mokhtari, they were repeatedly denied by the heroics of Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mohamed Bai Kamara and a stubborn backline. Sierra Leone had their own moments of threat, notably through talisman Momoh Kamara, whose long-range effort in the 113th minute forced a fine save. However, the West Africans—who had stunned hosts Egypt 4-1 in the group stage—couldn't find the breakthrough this time. For Morocco, the win marks their second semi-final appearance since 2005 and maintains their unbeaten run at the 2025 finals. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi's side showed patience and composure, eventually breaking down a well-drilled opponent who had conceded the most goals of any team in the quarter-finals. Sierra Leone exit the tournament with pride, having exceeded expectations in their first-ever U20 AFCON appearance. With standout performances from Kamara and Alpha Turay, they have left a strong impression on the continental stage. Morocco will now look ahead to a semi-final clash with either South Africa or DR Congo, confident in their defensive resilience and tactical discipline.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Deadly Seven: Meet the strikers lighting up the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON
There are seven of them. Seven standout strikers who have lit up the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. Momoh Kamara, the Arrow from Freetown Sierra Leone came into the tournament with no pressure. What no one expected was the emergence of a bright young attacking gem. Kamara struck four times during the group stage – more than any other player. But beyond the sheer numbers, it is the manner of his goals that stands out: instinctive finishes, composure, and excellent positioning. He found the net against Egypt and Tanzania, including a blistering double against the hosts in a stunning 4-1 win. Then came the crucial late goal against Tanzania (1-0) that sent Sierra Leone into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Kamara's calm celebrations and fearless play have already caught the attention of scouts. Ntanda and Makanza: Congo's Dual Threat Though the Democratic Republic of Congo did not top their group, they boast two players tied for second in the goal-scoring charts. Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa and Noah Makanza each scored twice, playing key roles in the Leopards' advancement. Ntanda impressed with his direct runs and finishing – particularly in the 3-1 win over the Central African Republic. Makanza showed his power down the right wing and his knack for finding space in tight defences. The duo's partnership could be pivotal in the quarter-final against South Africa. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam: Senegal's Clinical Edge In a structured and well-organised Senegal side, Cheikh Tidiane Thiam stood out. With two goals and a striker's instinct, he fits the mold of a modern forward – hard-working, mobile, and always in motion. While less flashy than Kamara, Thiam brings consistency and sharp movement. He scored in the draw against the Central African Republic and again in the crucial 2-0 win over DR Congo. With his physical presence and composure, Thiam will be vital for Senegal in their blockbuster tie against Nigeria. Lawrence Ouma: Kenya's Creative Dynamo It took just two moments for Lawrence Ouma to leave his mark. Against Nigeria, he converted a penalty with confidence. In the next game, he stunned Morocco with a precise low strike. Two goals in three games told the story. Originally an attacking midfielder, Ouma became Kenya's creative spark in a team that, although eliminated, showed attacking intent and courage. He is a symbol of a bold, evolving generation in Kenyan football. Thabang Mahlangu: South Africa's Spontaneous Spark In South Africa's pragmatic setup, Thabang Mahlangu emerged as a free-roaming threat. He scored a stunning curled effort against Egypt and finished clinically against the Central African Republic. Mahlangu's play is all about instinct. Few touches, perfect timing. At 19, he evokes memories of 2000s-era South African strikers like Benni McCarthy and Siyabonga Nomvete. The quarter-final against DR Congo could be his breakout moment. Yassir Zabiri: Morocco's Master Finisher Yassir Zabiri does not need many opportunities. Two chances, two goals. The Moroccan striker scored against Tunisia and Kenya with ruthless precision. He remains discreet during matches, but lethal in the box. Morocco's upcoming match against Sierra Leone could hinge on his ability to turn half-chances into goals. With Zabiri, every ball in the area is a potential goal. A Wide-Open Race Kamara leads the scoring charts for now, but the knockout rounds often produce surprise heroes. Six players are hot on his heels with two goals each. As is often the case in the U20 AFCON, everything can change in a single night.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON: Five coaching masterminds guiding Africa's next generation
Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 The TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 has shone a spotlight on five standout coaches who embody the future of African football. Their tactical acumen, leadership and strategic decisions have shaped their teams' performances and inspired a new wave of youth development. Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco): The architect of a cohesive unit Voted Best Coach of the Group Stage, Mohamed Ouahbi has moulded the Atlas Cubs into a well-oiled machine. Under his guidance, Morocco topped Group B with seven points: Victory over Kenya (3-2) Draw against Nigeria (0-0) Win against Tunisia (3-1) Looking ahead, Ouahbi remarked: 'We're going to rest well and prepare for the quarter-final in Cairo. Winning is why we're here. We believe it's possible. We're up against strong teams, but we believe in ourselves.' Serigne Saliou Dia (Senegal): The keeper of the Lion Cubs' spirit As defending champions, Senegal faced turbulence in Group C under Serigne Saliou Dia: Draw with Central African Republic (1-1) Loss to Ghana (0-1) Crucial win over DR Congo (2-0) Dia successfully regrouped his side in time to book a place in the quarter-finals, stating: 'Our players have found their soul again,' highlighting the team's resilience and inner strength. Desmond Ofei (Ghana): The tactical brain behind the Black Satellites Desmond Ofei has rejuvenated Ghana's Black Satellites, who topped Group C with seven points: Draw with DR Congo (1-1) Win over Senegal (1-0) Win against Central African Republic (1-0) Confident in his side's trajectory, Ofei said: 'Our main objective is to qualify for the World Cup. Every match and every positive result brings us closer to that goal.' Guy Bukasa (DR Congo): The builder of a promising future After a 12-year absence, DR Congo made a notable return to the AFCON U20 under Guy Bukasa's leadership. They finished third in Group C with four points: Draw with Ghana (1-1) Win over Central African Republic (3-1) Defeat to Senegal (0-2) With an eye on progression, Bukasa declared: 'Our objective is not just to play three group matches. We want to reach the quarter-finals and, God willing, qualify for the World Cup.' Aliyu Zubair (Nigeria): The navigator of the Flying Eagles Aliyu Zubair has taken charge of Nigeria's Flying Eagles with the aim of restoring the team's dominance. They finished second in Group B with five points: Win over Tunisia (1-0) Draw with Morocco (0-0) Draw against Kenya (2-2) Fully aware of the stakes ahead, Zubair stated: 'My team is fully focused and mentally prepared for the high-stakes quarter-final against Senegal.' These five tacticians reflect the rising tide of African coaching talent – blending tactical discipline, man-management, and long-term vision. Their leadership at the 2025 AFCON U20 demonstrates the rich potential and promise of African football's next generation.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nabih rallies Young Pharaohs for Ghana clash: 'We're playing for the pride of Egypt'
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Under mounting pressure and fatigue, Egypt U20 coach Osama Nabih has rallied his Young Pharaohs ahead of Monday's high-stakes quarter-final against Ghana at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, declaring that team spirit and national pride will carry them through. Speaking at a tense pre-match press conference, Nabih acknowledged the tough road his squad has travelled so far, playing four matches in the group stage and navigating through a series of injuries and fatigue. Yet despite the setbacks, his message was clear: Egypt will not go down without a fight. 'We are going through difficult circumstances due to injuries and fatigue,' Nabih admitted. 'But we are armed with a fighting spirit and are determined to make the fans happy.' Egypt only narrowly secured their place in the quarter-finals, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. But for Nabih, that struggle has forged the unity and resolve needed for what he called a "dual dream": qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup and challenging for the continental crown. 'Advancing through the group stage was a significant psychological burden,' the coach added. 'Now the optimism in our camp is high. The boys know what's at stake. This match is a final to us.' Egypt face a Ghanaian side that topped Group C without conceding a goal. The Black Satellites, fresh off a 1-0 win over defending champions Senegal and a composed victory over Central African Republic, enter the match with confidence and fresher legs—having played just three group games and enjoyed an extra day's rest. Nabih, however, refused to make excuses. 'Yes, Ghana are strong. Yes, they've had more rest. But we are Egypt. My players are fully aware of the challenge and are ready to defend our dream,' he declared. 'We ask the fans to stand behind us in this national mission.' Captain Ahmed Khaled "Kabaka" echoed his coach's determination, calling Monday's clash a 'life-or-death' moment. 'We all consider the Ghana match as make or break,' Kabaka said. 'Everyone knows how tough this game will be, but we are counting on our strength of character. We want to put a smile on the faces of Egyptians.' Egypt's preparation continued with a final session in Ismailia before the squad travelled to Suez on Sunday morning. The atmosphere, according to team insiders, is one of controlled intensity—a squad battered but not broken, aware of the odds yet buoyed by the opportunity. Kick-off is at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at the New Suez Stadium. For Egypt, it's not just a quarter-final. It's a moment of reckoning, a chance to turn adversity into triumph in front of their home fans.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Saliou Dia: 'Our players have found their soul again' – Senegal ready for Nigeria showdown
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Senegal U20 coach Serigne Saliou Dia says his team has rediscovered its fighting spirit ahead of a high-stakes quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The defending champions face seven-time winners Nigeria on Monday in Ismailia in what promises to be one of the tournament's most gripping encounters. Senegal's journey to the last eight has been anything but smooth. A 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic followed by a 1-0 defeat to Ghana had Les Lionceaux staring at the exit door. But a commanding 2-0 victory over DR Congo on the final day secured their place in the knockouts — and reignited belief. 'This group was born in adversity,' said Dia. 'We needed to go through that storm to measure our strength. We questioned ourselves, we regrouped, and we came back stronger.' The coach admitted his team had flaws but insisted those challenges served as fuel. 'I saw the change in their eyes during the warm-up against DR Congo. There was no more doubt — only determination.' A Quarter-Final with History Senegal vs Nigeria is more than just a quarter-final. It's a clash rich in history and emotion. The two sides met in the 2015 final in Dakar, which Nigeria won 1-0. The rivalry remains fierce despite the generational changes. 'This is a clash of football DNA,' said Dia. 'Two teams built on intensity, pride, and direct play. But this time, we want to write our own version of the story.' While Nigeria remain unbeaten, their group stage campaign raised questions. The Flying Eagles opened with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, then drew 0-0 with Morocco and surprisingly 2-2 against already-eliminated Kenya. Senegal's coach has responded to his own team's inconsistent form with bold tactical decisions. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam has been moved deeper to stabilize midfield, and striker Ibrahima Dieng rediscovered his scoring touch against DR Congo. But Dia believes the biggest shift has been psychological: 'We worked a lot on the mental side. When the legs are tired, it's the mind that must take over. I told them the DR Congo match was a Round of 16 game — and they won it like one.' A Title to Defend, Not to Inherit Senegal knows the burden of being champions. Every opponent sees them as a target. But Dia refuses to let that pressure weigh down his squad. 'The title belongs to no one — it must be earned again each time. This group is still being built. The AFCON is not just a showcase, it's a mirror.' Senegal's preparation for the tournament included rigorous friendlies, including a test against DR Congo before the start of the finals. The goal, according to Dia, was to 'build a team before chasing trophies.' Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at the Ismailia Stadium. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. 'I've seen my players rise again,' Dia concluded. 'I've seen the pride in their eyes. We are ready.'
