Latest news with #U20AFCON
CAF
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations: Complete list of winners since 1979
Published: Sunday, 18 May 2025 As the 2025 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations concludes with South Africa crowned as winners, the spotlight also turns to the rich history of the tournament. Since its inception in 1979, the U20 AFCON has been a breeding ground for some of the continent's finest football talent. From Andre Ayew to Kanu Nwankwo, many African legends made their first mark at this youth tournament before dazzling on the global stage. The competition has grown in stature over the decades, serving as both a continental showdown and a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. It has also mirrored the rise of national football projects, with countries like Nigeria and Ghana dominating the honours list while emerging nations have occasionally made their mark. With South Africa winning their maiden title they join an elite group of champions, the 2025 final adds another chapter to an already storied competition. Following South Africa's victory in Egypt, here is a look at every past winner of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations. CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations – List of Past Winners Year Winner Host Country 1979 Algeria Mali 1981 Egypt Egypt 1983 Nigeria Nigeria 1985 Nigeria Nigeria 1987 Nigeria Ethiopia 1989 Nigeria Nigeria 1991 Egypt Egypt 1993 Ghana Mauritius 1995 Cameroon Nigeria 1997 Ghana Morocco 1999 Nigeria Ghana 2001 Angola Ethiopia 2003 Egypt Burkina Faso 2005 Nigeria Benin 2007 Congo Republic of Congo 2009 Ghana Rwanda 2011 Nigeria South Africa 2013 Egypt Algeria 2015 Nigeria Senegal 2017 Zambia Zambia 2019 Mali Niger 2021 Ghana Mauritania 2023 Senegal Egypt 2025 South Africa Egypt The 2025 champion South Africa will join this elite list as a new entrant. As history continues to unfold, Africa's youth talent remains one of the continent's greatest exports to the world of football.
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
02-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria coach eyes North African opponent ahead of TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON
Published: Saturday, 01 March 2025 Nigeria head coach Aliyu Zubairu, has expressed his desire for a preparatory match against a North African team ahead of the TotalEneriges U20 Africa Cup of Nations (U20 AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire. The Flying Eagles have been drawn into what has been labeled the "Group of Death," featuring formidable opponents Morocco and Egypt. The team had initially planned a friendly against Egypt last month, but the fixture was called off after both sides were drawn into the same group for the upcoming tournament. "We will still want to play against a North African team before the AFCON because this will prepare us for the tournament," Zubairu stated. Mixed Results in Côte d'Ivoire Friendlies The Flying Eagles this week engaged in two test matches against U20 AFCON hosts Côte d'Ivoire, securing a 2-0 victory in the first match before suffering a 2-0 defeat in the rematch on Friday Zubairu explained that he deliberately experimented with a different tactical approach and rotated his squad in the second fixture. "We played a second tactic and we lost the game even though we also made some changes in the team," he said. "All the same, what we wanted to see, we have seen." Path to the FIFA U20 World Cup The 2025 U20 AFCON is scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18 in Côte d'Ivoire, with the four semi-finalists earning a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Nigeria will be aiming to secure their place on the global stage while contending with some of Africa's toughest teams in the group stage.
