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CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Senegal U20 Profile: Lionceaux aim to defend U-20 AFCON crown
Senegal arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 as defending champions and a team to beat. With a growing reputation for producing elite youth talent, the Lionceaux of Teranga are aiming to retain their title and extend their dominance in African youth football. Under the leadership of Serigne Saliou Dia, the West African giants blend tactical discipline with attacking flair in their pursuit of back-to-back continental triumphs. SENEGAL Reigning African champions at U-20 level, Senegal head into the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 with the ambition of defending their title and reinforcing their dominance in African youth football. The Lionceaux of Teranga have built a solid reputation in recent years, combining disciplined structures, dynamic transitions, and an increasingly rich talent pipeline. Under the guidance of new head coach Serigne Saliou Dia, Senegal's objective is clear: to maintain their winning momentum and continue nurturing the next generation of stars. Their triumph in Egypt in 2023 was historic, marking their first-ever U-20 continental crown. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Senegal qualified for the tournament by winning the WAFU Zone A Championship for the second consecutive time. They defeated Sierra Leone 2-0 in the final, with goals from Cheikh Tidiane Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng sealing the victory. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON Senegal are the reigning champions, having lifted their first-ever U-20 AFCON title in 2023 in Egypt. That campaign was flawless – winning every match including a 2-0 victory in the final over Gambia. They had previously reached the final on three occasions (2015, 2017, 2019) but had fallen short each time. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Serigne Fallou Diouf – The promising centre-back from Génération Foot is highly regarded for his anticipation, tackling, and composed build-up play. Ibrahima Dieng – Nicknamed 'Pauleta' for his clinical finishing, the striker is a constant threat with his intelligent movement, eye for goal, and composure in front of goal. Pierre Dorival – A tenacious defensive midfielder from Olympique Lyonnais, Dorival adds steel and structure to the midfield. Known for his interceptions and precise passing, he plays a key role in maintaining balance and breaking up opposition attacks. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Serigne Saliou Dia, who led Senegal to the U-17 AFCON title, is now in charge of the U-20 side. A tactically astute coach, he is known for adapting his strategies to suit the opposition while maintaining a clear identity of attacking, structured football. Dia emphasizes discipline, team cohesion, and high-intensity pressing, while encouraging creative freedom in the final third. His background in youth development and proven track record make him a valuable figure in Senegal's football structure. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Senegal have been drawn into Group C, where they will face DR Congo, a technically solid side with great ambition and momentum, DR Congo could pose a real threat in the group. Ghana are a structured and cohesive team, Ghana have made consistent progress in youth football and cannot be underestimated. Central African Republic is one of the dark horses of the tournament, Central African Republic have a physical, direct style and will be motivated to make history.
CAF
22-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Sierra Leone U20 Profile: Kamara leads Shooting Stars' bright new generation at U-20 AFCON
Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars are set to make history as they prepare for their first-ever appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025. Their qualification, earned through a spirited run at the WAFU Zone A Championship, marked a defining moment for youth football in the country. With a new generation of exciting talents, including players plying their trade in Europe, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to shine on the continental stage. Grouped alongside hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Tanzania, Sierra Leone will relish their underdog status in a highly competitive Pool A. Below is the full profile of the Sierra Leone U20 team: Sierra Leone will be making their debut at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, following a memorable campaign at the WAFU Zone A Championship. The Shooting Stars captured the imagination of fans with their fearless performances, reaching the final and earning qualification in style. With a talented core of players and growing belief, Sierra Leone will be aiming to make history in Egypt. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Sierra Leone booked their spot at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON 2025 as runners-up in the WAFU Zone A Championship. Led by captain and star striker Momoh Kamara, the Shooting Stars produced an impressive string of results, defeating Guinea-Bissau, hosts Liberia, and The Gambia en route to the final. Though they ultimately fell short against Senegal, the performance throughout the tournament showed resilience, attacking flair, and tactical maturity, earning them a well-deserved ticket to their maiden U-20 AFCON. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This marks Sierra Leone's first-ever appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Their qualification alone has been historic, and the team now aims to leave a lasting impression by challenging Africa's best at the continental stage. With no past records to compare, every point won and every goal scored will set new milestones for the West African nation. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Momoh Kamara – The captain and main attacking force of the team, Kamara finished as joint top scorer at the WAFU Zone A tournament with three goals. Named the competition's Best Player, his leadership and sharp eye for goal make him the focal point of Sierra Leone's offence. Hindolo Mustapha – An emerging talent from England's Premier League 2, Mustapha brings technical quality and attacking creativity. With seven goals and four assists for Crystal Palace's U-21s, he is expected to add firepower and composure in the final third. Mamadou Jalloh – A promising goalkeeper from Denmark's Brøndby IF youth system, Jalloh is known for his reflexes and shot-stopping ability. If he finds consistency, he could be a key figure in Sierra Leone's defensive structure. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Head coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has built a well-drilled, balanced squad that thrives on discipline and quick transitions. Under his leadership, Sierra Leone play with a compact defensive shape and look to hurt opponents with rapid counterattacks. The team's blend of youth from Europe and local leagues adds versatility and hunger. Kamara has instilled belief in his squad, preparing them to face top-level opponents with courage and structure. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Sierra Leone enter the 2025 tournament as one of the dark horses, aiming to cause upsets in Group A, which includes hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania. While the group is undeniably tough, the Shooting Stars have already shown they can punch above their weight. With momentum from their regional campaign and a squad full of potential, they will be pushing to progress to the knockout stages and make their debut campaign one to remember.
