Latest news with #TotalEnergiesU20AfricaCupofNations
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
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Essel: Ghana focused on 'mission' as Egypt quarter-final looms
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Ghana defender Aaron Essel says the Black Satellites are treating their quarter-final clash with hosts Egypt 'like a final' as they aim to secure a place in the last four of the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025. Ghana head into Monday's tie at the New Suez Stadium on the back of a confident group stage campaign, where they finished top of Group C after victories over defending champions Senegal and the Central African Republic. Standing in their way are a resurgent Egypt side buoyed by home support and looking to restore pride after a rollercoaster group stage performance. But Essel, who has been a defensive rock for Desmond Ofei's side, says the Black Satellites are locked in and not fazed by the occasion or the setting. 'Preparations have been very good. The entire team is focused, and we're ready to give our best on the field,' Essel said during Sunday's pre-match press conference in Suez. 'For us, this is a final. The field will decide which team emerges victorious, and we are determined to make sure it's Ghana.' Ghana are chasing a fourth U20 AFCON crown, having last won the title in 2009 – the same year they lifted the FIFA U20 World Cup. With a ticket to the global showpiece in Chile on offer for all semi-finalists, the stakes are high. Essel stressed the team's unity and commitment to the plan drawn up by coach Desmond Ofei and his technical team. 'We're sticking to the game plan laid out by Coach Desmond Ofei. Everyone knows what's at stake,' he added. The 20-year-old also addressed the increasing presence of scouts and agents in the stands — a feature of major youth tournaments — but insists the team's focus is intact. 'Yes, we're aware that scouts and agents are watching. But we're not distracted. We're in Egypt on a mission — to qualify for the World Cup and bring honour to our nation,' Essel affirmed. Playing against the host nation is often considered an intimidating task, but the young Ghanaian squad is keeping its cool. 'This is football. We've prepared adequately and we're approaching this game with a strong mentality. The mood in camp is calm and focused. There's no anxiety; everyone is ready.' Essel also issued a rallying call to Ghanaians, promising the team will leave everything on the pitch to make the country proud. 'We're not only playing for ourselves; we're playing for Ghana. We want to leave a legacy and show that we are capable of carrying the torch for Ghana football into the future.' Kick-off is set for 15:00 GMT on Monday. With a semi-final spot and World Cup qualification on the line, both sides know only one can take the next step on the road to continental glory.
