Latest news with #U-20AfricaCupofNationsEgypt2025
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
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Abdul Hakim Sulemana: Ghana's rising star steps out of his brother's shadow
At the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, Ghana's Abdul Hakim Sulemana emerged as one of the tournament's breakout stars, showing the continent—and the world—that footballing brilliance runs deep in the Sulemana family. The 20-year-old winger not only captured hearts with his dazzling displays for the Black Satellites, but also proved he's no longer just 'Kamaldeen's younger brother.' With a Man of the Match performance in Ghana's opening game and a clutch penalty in the quarter-finals, Hakim's star is rising fast. Forged in Techiman, Sharpened in Dreams Born in Techiman in Ghana's Bono East region, Sulemana grew up in a household where football was more than just a pastime—it was a calling. His older brother, Kamaldeen Sulemana, now at English Premier League side Southampton, paved the path. Another brother, Abdul-Rauf, also played professionally. But Hakim has never been content with living in the shadows. 'We all played football in the compound, in the streets—Kamaldeen always pushed me,' he told 'He set the standard, but I want to go higher.' His journey began at Ghana's prestigious Right to Dream Academy, the same institution that developed stars like Mohammed Kudus, Majeed Waris, Ernest Nuamah and David Accam. The academy's holistic approach—focused on education, discipline, and football—shaped Hakim into a complete player and young man. From Ghana to Lyon to Randers Hakim's potential was clear. After excelling at Right to Dream, he joined Olympique Lyon's youth setup in France before sealing a move to Danish top-flight side Randers FC in 2024. The switch was seamless, aided by a familiar face—Fatah Abdirahman, a former Right to Dream coach, now assistant at Randers. 'Having someone who already knows your game makes a big difference,' Hakim said. 'It helped me settle quickly in Europe.' Although still breaking into the Randers first team, his experience at the U20 AFCON has enhanced his reputation. His performances in Egypt—including a late penalty equalizer against hosts Egypt in the quarter-finals—demonstrated maturity well beyond his years. Tournament Recognition and Global Buzz Ghana's U20 run may have ended in heartbreak, losing 5-4 on penalties to Egypt after a 2-2 draw, but Sulemana's stock soared. U20 head coach Desmond Ofei praised the youngster's mindset and impact. 'Hakim is fearless,' Ofei said. 'His size might fool you, but his courage, technical ability, and tactical intelligence make him indispensable.' CAF's Technical Study Group lauded his creativity, balance, and relentless work ethic—attributes reminiscent of Kamaldeen in his early days. And while comparisons are inevitable, Hakim welcomes them with confidence. 'I admire what Kamal has achieved, but I want to be known for my own journey,' he said. Carving His Own Legacy Kamaldeen has already played in the UEFA Champions League and represented Ghana at the World Cup. But Hakim insists the weight of expectation fuels his ambition rather than hinders it. 'Kamal always says, 'Work harder than everyone else.' That's what I live by,' he explained. Following Hakim's Man of the Match accolade against DR Congo, Kamaldeen tweeted: 'Proud of you, little bro. This is just the beginning.' Footballing dynasties are not uncommon in Africa—think the Ayews in Ghana, the Tourés in Côte d'Ivoire, or the Eto'os in Cameroon. But Hakim's rise feels uniquely personal: the shy younger sibling stepping into the arena, ready to be the headline act. The Road Ahead With Ghana missing out on a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, Hakim's next chapter returns to Europe, where scouts are watching. He's determined to earn more minutes at Randers and continue improving. 'My dream is to reach the Premier League, just like Kamal,' he said. 'But first, I want to become a regular at Randers and prove I can make a difference.' If his performances in Egypt are anything to go by, Hakim Sulemana won't be in anyone's shadow
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco U20 coach Ouahbi targets final as Egypt semi-final looms
Published: Tuesday, 13 May 2025 Morocco U20 head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team is 'capable of achieving great things' after sealing a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Sierra Leone to reach the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The win not only booked the Atlas Cubs a place in the final four, but also secured their ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. But Ouahbi insists his team is far from finished, as they now set their sights on a high-stakes North African derby against hosts Egypt on Thursday. 'We've come a long way, and the most important objective now is to reach the final,' Ouahbi said at the post-match press conference in Cairo. 'I'm proud of what the players have achieved so far, but the journey continues. We are capable of more.' Resilient Morocco Grind Past Sierra Leone Monday's quarter-final clash at the 30 June Stadium was a tense affair, with Morocco needing an own goal in the 115th minute to edge past tournament debutants Sierra Leone. The game was characterised by high-intensity battles, with the West African side showing immense resilience despite playing the final minutes with ten men following a late red card. Ouahbi praised the opponents for their grit: 'Sierra Leone were very organised and difficult to break down. They made it very tough for us, and credit to them for a strong tournament.' Focus Turns to Egypt Showdown Next up is Egypt – a team buoyed by home support and fresh from a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ghana. Ouahbi acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead. 'Egypt are a well-structured team with individual quality. We know what's at stake, but we'll give it everything. These are the moments players live for,' he said. Man-of-the-Match Ilias Boumassaoudi echoed his coach's determination. 'I'm honoured to have helped the team reach this level. Now we want to go further. We're ready for Egypt.'
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 quarter-finals line up confirmed
The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 concluded on Friday, 09 May with eight teams securing their spots in the quarterfinals of the competition after a series of thrilling group stage matches. The tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, has showcased the continent's emerging talents, who are all vying for the continental crown as well as the four available spots for Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year. The teams advancing to the knockout stage are: Egypt (Hosts), DR Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa. The quarter-finals will take place on Monday, 12 May. Tournament hosts, Egypt powered into the quarterfinals with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Friday evening to secure their place as one of the two best third placed sides along with DR Congo, who's 3-1 win over Central Africa Republic and 1-1 draw against Ghana was enough to see them through. South Africa finished top Group A following Friday's 1-1 stalemate against neighbours Zambia, along with Sierra Leone who came in second, while Morocco finished top of Group B and will be joined by second placed Nigeria in the next round. The quarter-finals line-up is concluded by the defending champions, Senegal who narrowly edged DR Congo on goal-difference to finish second behind group leaders, Ghana in Group C. Group Stage Highlights Morocco: Morocco topped their group with an unbeaten run, including a 3-2 win over Kenya, a 0-0 draw with Nigeria, and a 3-1 victory against Tunisia. Nigeria: The seven-time champions secured their quarterfinal spot with a solid performance, including a crucial draw against Morocco. Senegal: The defending champions continued their impressive form, advancing confidently from their group. South Africa: The South Africans demonstrated their prowess, advancing to the quarterfinals with a strong showing in the group stage that concluded with a closely contested 1-1 stalemate with neighbours, Zambia. Appetising Quarter-Final matches: A tantalising line up of quarter-finals fixtures mark the next phase of the competition with highly unpredictable ties. Defending champions Senegal take on a dangerous looking Nigeria in the first quarter-final clash. Tournament hosts Egypt have a tough steep mountain to climb against a high in confidence Ghana. Morocco, who have been convincing in the group stages take on a spirited Sierra Leone who are looking at continuing with their dream run, while the skilful South Africans must overcome a tactically astute DR Congo. Statistical Leaders Top Goalscorer: Momoh Kamara leads the scoring charts with 4 goals. TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures 12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal 15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt 15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone 18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo All matches will be live on CAF's Official YouTube channel, CAF TV.
