Latest news with #TotalEnergiesManoftheMatch
CAF
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa goalkeeper Lowe named Man of the Match in U-20 AFCON final
Published: Sunday, 18 May 2025 South Africa U-20 goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was named the TotalEnergies Man of the Match after his heroic display helped secure a 1-0 win over Morocco in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 on Sunday. The shot-stopper delivered another commanding performance between the posts, producing a string of crucial saves to deny the North Africans and ensure South Africa lifted their first-ever U-20 AFCON title. Lowe, who has been one of the standout players of the tournament, was at his brilliant best again at Cairo International Stadium. He made a series of sharp saves in both halves, including key interventions to stop efforts from Morocco's Jones El Abdellaoui, Mouad Dahak, and Othmane Maamma. His commanding presence, calm decision-making, and excellent distribution helped his side stay organised under sustained Moroccan pressure — especially in the final 15 minutes after Gomolemo Kekana's 70th-minute goal had given South Africa the lead. The 18-year-old ends the tournament as the goalkeeper with the highest number of saves (24), playing a pivotal role in South Africa's road to the title, which included three clean sheets in the knockout stages. Lowe's consistency throughout the competition was a key factor in South Africa's success. From a nervy opening day defeat to hosts Egypt, he grew in confidence with each match, culminating in a title-winning performance in the final. His award caps a remarkable campaign for the young goalkeeper, who has now firmly established himself as one of Africa's brightest goalkeeping prospects.
CAF
31-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco's rising star Belmokhtar bags brace and Man of the Match award
Published: Monday, 31 March 2025 Morocco's Ilies Belmokhtar announced himself on the continental stage with a dazzling display in his nation's 5-0 victory over Uganda at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The AS Monaco forward scored twice and was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match on Sunday night in Mohammedia, where the young Atlas Lions dominated from start to finish. Just 17 years old, Belmokhtar delivered a performance that underlined not only his talent but also his growing leadership in a Moroccan squad brimming with promise. "The most important thing is the three points. Without the win, I wouldn't be here," Belmokhtar said with a smile, speaking after receiving his individual award. Born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, the composed forward is known for his ability to use both feet, sharp positioning and mature decision-making — qualities that were all on full display against the Ugandan Cubs. Morocco's aggressive but structured attacking play overwhelmed Uganda, who were left chasing shadows throughout the match. Belmokhtar's brace was the highlight of a team effort that saw Morocco stake an early claim as title contenders on home soil. "We noticed our opponents weren't pressing us, so we just played our game and applied what we've worked on in training," Belmokhtar added. "We've shown what we can do, but we won't rest on our laurels. We know what we're worth and what we want." Morocco's U-17 side has emerged as a symbol of a new era in North African youth football, combining tactical discipline with technical flair. Belmokhtar, who has already made waves at club level with Monaco's youth teams, is now leading this next generation with confidence and clarity. With more matches to come and bigger challenges ahead, Morocco will rely heavily on Belmokhtar's poise and ability in front of goal — and if Sunday was any indication, the teenager is ready for the spotlight.
