Latest news with #TotalEnergiesU-17AfricaCupofNations
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Côte d'Ivoire braced for tough U-17 World Cup test, says Diabate
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Côte d'Ivoire U-17 head coach Bassiriki Diabate has admitted his side faces a daunting challenge at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 after being drawn into what he described as a 'difficult group.' The Elephants will compete in Group F alongside Mexico, Korea Republic, and Switzerland — a trio of teams representing three different continents and styles of play. 'This draw placed us in a rather difficult group,' said Diabate following the draw in Doha on 25 May. 'We have Mexico from the Americas, Switzerland from Europe, and Korea Republic from Asia. It's quite a diverse group with some very strong teams, which will make this competition quite challenging for us.' The 2025 tournament will mark Côte d'Ivoire's return to the global U-17 stage, with the expanded 48-team format offering a bigger platform for African youth talent. But for Diabate and his technical team, the blend of football cultures in their group means preparation must be precise. 'Our players must be ready to face different football philosophies in a very short space of time,' Diabate added. 'It's a big learning opportunity, but also a massive test of tactical adaptability and mental strength.' The Elephants qualified for the global finals through a strong performance at the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. They are now tasked with making their mark against some of the game's best youth sides in Qatar. Mexico are traditionally strong at youth level, having won the U-17 World Cup twice (2005, 2011), while Korea Republic bring technical discipline and intensity. Switzerland, known for producing highly organized and physically robust sides, round off the group. Despite the challenges ahead, Diabate remains optimistic that Côte d'Ivoire can rise to the occasion. 'Our objective is to compete, grow, and show that Ivorian football has a bright future,' he said. 'We are not just going to participate — we aim to compete at the highest level.' The Elephants will open their campaign in Group F when the tournament begins on 3 November in Qatar. All eyes will be on how this young Ivorian side navigates one of the most intriguing groups in the expanded global showpiece.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
'No small teams anymore' – Morocco boss wary of tricky U-17 World Cup group
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 Morocco U-17 coach Nabil Baha has described his side's FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 group as 'balanced' but warned that there will be no easy matches when the tournament kicks off in November. The draw, held in Doha on 25 May, placed the North African champions in Group B alongside Japan, Portugal, and New Caledonia. The Atlas Cubs, who lifted the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, now turn their focus to the global stage where expectations have grown. 'We landed in a balanced group. Portugal is a very big football nation, and Japan plays very well,' said Baha. 'New Caledonia, we don't know much about, but nowadays, as they say, there are no small teams in the world.' The 2025 edition of the U-17 World Cup is the biggest in the competition's history, with 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four. Morocco will kick off their campaign against Asian giants Japan before facing Oceania representatives New Caledonia, and closing their group play against European heavyweights Portugal. For Baha, the ambition is clear — go further than Morocco's quarter-final finish in the last edition held in Indonesia. 'Our goal will be to do better than we did in Indonesia in 2023,' he stated. 'We know it will be very tough, but we have the ability to go very far in this competition, given that we have very good players and won the U-17 Africa Cup.' The Moroccan coach praised his squad's potential and insisted that their continental success should serve as a foundation, not a finish line. 'We showed on our continent that we have a great generation, and now we'll have to work hard and prepare as best we can for this World Cup in order to aim to go as far as possible,' he added. With a blend of tactical discipline, individual talent, and continental pedigree, Morocco's U-17s enter Qatar 2025 with belief. As African champions, the Atlas Cubs will carry the hopes of the region — and their coach is determined to make it count.
CAF
15-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
AFCON U-17: Coaches keeping an eye on the U-17 Women's World Cup
Coincidence or a clever move by FIFA? As the CAF TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its final stages in Morocco, an unexpected topic surfaced during the pre-match press conferences held in Casablanca: the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Also set to take place in Morocco, from 17 October to 8 November 2025, it will be followed closely by the U-17 Men's World Cup in Qatar (3–27 November). As a result, amidst tactical discussions, male head coaches couldn't help but share touching words about their female counterparts – and, in some cases, their own families. Lions, a Young Lioness, and a Father's Dilemma In the Baha household, football is a family affair. In Casablanca, where the Atlas Cubs are preparing for their semi-final, their coach Nabil Baha spoke of a November that promises to be as thrilling as it is complex. He will be leading his squad in Qatar, while his daughter Mayssa, a promising forward in Morocco's U-17 women's side, could be playing her first World Cup at home. 'Maybe her mum will go and watch her,' he smiled during the press conference. 'I'll be with Ziyad (note: Morocco U-17 forward), my son, in Qatar… if all goes well. But missing Mayssa's first World Cup, even though I know she'll have others, that's tough.' His gaze darkened momentarily. 'It's complicated, yes, but we'll manage. There's video calls, TV… I just hope we're not playing at the same time!' This heartfelt comment reflects the tug of emotions at play. 'Seeing both of my children represent Morocco is an incredible source of pride. They love the jersey, and they thrive in the national setup. I wish them nothing but the best.' The emotion in his voice revealed more than the dual role of coach and father it hinted at a generation that lives and breathes football, on both sides of the game. Côte d'Ivoire: One Flag, One Fight Just a few steps away, in the next room, Bassiriki Diabaté was conducting his own pre-match press conference. His side is set to face Morocco in the semi-final, yet his mind also drifted to another big fixture: the Ivorian U-17 women's play-off against Guinea, with a win securing a spot at the Women's World Cup. 'We often talk with Adelaïde Koudougnon,' he explained. 'She coaches the U-17 women's team. In Côte d'Ivoire, we see it as whole. A national team is a national team, whether it's male or female.' This wasn't just a token statement, it reflects a genuine federation-wide policy of solidarity. 'As coaches, we're always exchanging ideas. We share our experiences. What I wish for Adelaïde is the same success we're having here. She has our full support.' And with a knowing smile, he added, 'She's also playing away from home. We've found success in Morocco, she can do the same in Mali with the same emotion, the same drive.' Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire: Leading the Way for Two World Cups These heartfelt testimonies paint a bigger picture: the rise of youth women's football in Africa is not going unnoticed neither by the institutions, nor by those on the pitch. Morocco, as host of the U-17 Women's World Cup, aims to shine both in terms of performance and event organisation. Côte d'Ivoire, on the brink of qualification, is a symbol of this new generation of nations investing in both sides of the sporting spectrum.
CAF
09-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Rainford Kalaba (Zambia) : "You never wear this jersey just for yourself'
Iconic figure of Zambia's historic triumph at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012, Rainford Kalaba has swapped his boots for training shoes. Now 37, the former attacking midfielder of TP Mazembe is currently part of the Zambia U-17 national team's technical staff, serving as a fitness coach. A discreet but valuable career shift, right at the heart of an ambitious youth development project led by the Zambian Football Association. Competing in the CAF TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia has qualified for the quarter-finals, where they will face Burkina Faso on Thursday at the Laarbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Even better: the young Chipolopolo have already secured their spot at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar this November In this interview, Rainford Kalaba reflects on the impact of the 2012 continental title, his new mission with young talents, and the keys to succeeding at this level. Rainford, you were one of the key players in Zambia's golden generation of 2012, the team that brought home the country's first continental title. What impact did that victory have on your career? Rainford Kalaba: It was an incredible honour to be part of that journey. That title opened so many doors for us — for me and for many others. After 2012, several Zambian players saw their careers take off. Just taking part in an AFCON is a big deal but becoming champions against some of Africa's top stars — that's unforgettable. It's not something everyone gets to experience. Today, you've gone from player to fitness coach with the U-17 team. How are you finding this transition? The most important thing was helping this group qualify for the World Cup. That's a huge milestone for this generation. Now that they've done it, our focus is on the rest of the AFCON. Reaching the final would be fantastic. We have to keep working hard and stay focused. Hard work always pays off. In your view, what are the main differences between your generation and the one you're working with today? Today's young players want to make a name for themselves, to be known across the continent — and that's a good thing. Playing for an African national team at U-17 level is about laying the foundation for a career. This generation wants to shine, go far, make a lasting impression. They've reached the quarter-finals and they don't want to stop there. That's exactly the mindset they need. What have you learned from working with them? They're focused, ambitious, determined to be recognised across Africa and even globally. They want to play for big clubs, in major leagues. And that's great. When you get the chance to represent your country at U-17 level, that's when your career path really begins. Was there a moment during the tournament that really impressed you? The match against Morocco, the host nation. Those kinds of games are always very tough — you're not just playing against eleven players, but against an entire crowd, a loud and passionate public. That day, our boys showed admirable focus. They followed the instructions and stayed disciplined. That's the foundation. On the pitch, they have to manage themselves, and they did it perfectly. What message would you like to send to young Zambian players who dream of representing their country, like you did? The most important thing is to stay focused and understand that when you wear this jersey, you never wear it just for yourself. You represent your family, your supporters, your country. You play for an entire nation. You have to honour them, impress them, repay their faith. And there's no secret to it: hard work, discipline, and perseverance. The sky is the limit. As a former champion and mentor, what would you say is the key to success in a tournament like the U-17 AFCON? Respecting the instructions. Since the start of the tournament, the boys have been listening, following the game plans. That's what makes them strong. If they had strayed from that path, they'd already be out. Now they're in the quarter-finals, and they're hungry for more. I tell them to hold on to that belief, that discipline, that desire to go beyond their limits. The rest will follow naturally. Zambia is now qualified for the U-17 World Cup. What are your goals for that tournament? AFCON is already a high level, but the World Cup is another step up. If our players manage to make their mark there, to shine on the world stage, many opportunities will open up for them. Agents, academies, professional clubs will take notice. It's a unique chance to change their lives — and I truly believe they can do it.
CAF
06-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF U17 AFCON: Final group game to decide knockout places
Published: Saturday, 05 April 2025 Sunday marks the start of the final round of group matches at the ongoing TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with several spots in the quarter-finals and World Cup still up for grabs. Some teams have already punched their ticket to the next stage as well as their slots at the World Cup in Qatar later this year, while others are clinging to hopes of progression. Mali and Burkina Faso through to quarter-finals Mali and Burkina Faso have secured their spots in the quarter-finals after winning their opening two matches. Mali beat Angola 2-1 before dispatching Central African Republic 2-0, showcasing strong cohesion and tactical maturity. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, edged Cameroon 2-1 and followed that up with a narrow 2-1 win over Egypt, showing grit and determination in both matches. Their results guarantee passage into the last eight. World Cup Play-off Scenario With ten African places available for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November, every match is crucial. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals. The four third-placed teams will then contest World Cup play-off matches to determine the final two qualifiers from Africa. As it stands, no team is mathematically out of contention for those play-off slots. Group A Morocco – 4 points (+5) Zambia – 4 points (+3) Uganda – 3 points (-2) Tanzania – 0 points (-6) Final Group Fixtures: Morocco vs Tanzania Uganda vs Zambia Group B Burkina Faso – 6 points (+2) South Africa – 4 points (+1) Cameroon – 1 point (-1) Egypt – 0 points (-2) Final Group Fixtures: Burkina Faso vs South Africa Cameroon vs Egypt Group C Tunisia – 4 points (+3) Senegal – 4 points (+1) Gambia – 3 points (+3) Somalia – 0 points (-7) Final Group Fixtures: Tunisia vs Gambia Senegal vs Somalia Group D Mali – 6 points (+3) Côte d'Ivoire – 4 points (+5) Angola – 1 point (-1) Central African Republic – 0 points (-7) Final Group Fixtures: Mali vs Côte d'Ivoire Angola vs Central African Republic
