Latest news with #YoungPharaohs
Morocco World
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
When and How to Watch Egypt vs Nigeria in the U20 AFCON Bronze Medal Match
Rabat – As hosts of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Egypt's Young Pharaohs are preparing to fight for a podium finish in the bronze medal match against Nigeria's Flying Eagles. The highly anticipated encounter will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, kicking off at 16:00 GMT+1. Egypt, buoyed by home support, booked their spot in the FIFA U-20 Men's World Cup after a strong run in the tournament. They advanced to the semifinals by defeating Ghana on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. However, their hopes of reaching the final were dashed with a narrow 1-0 loss to Morocco in the North African derby. Nigeria's Flying Eagles have meanwhile resilience throughout the competition. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia and a goalless draw against Morocco in the group stage, before finishing with a 2-2 draw against Kenya. The Nigerian side then edged past Senegal on penalties in the quarterfinals but fell 1-0 to South Africa's Amajita in the semifinals. Notably, Nigeria defeated Egypt 2-1 in a friendly match prior to the tournament, adding an extra layer of rivalry and anticipation to this bronze medal showdown. Fans can watch the Nigeria vs. Egypt bronze battle live on Sunday at 16:00 GMT+1 via Startimes, DSTV, and CAF TV. Later the same day, Morocco will face South Africa in the U20 AFCON final at 19:00 GMT+1, aiming to claim the championship trophy. Tags: AFCON 2025Egypt vs Nigeria
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
'Only 27 days in charge' - Egypt U20 coach Nabih praises team despite semi-final loss
Published: Friday, 16 May 2025 Egypt U-20 coach Osama Nabih says his team can hold their heads high despite falling 1-0 to Morocco in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo on Thursday night, the Young Pharaohs were narrowly edged out by a Moroccan side widely regarded as one of the most prepared and tactically astute teams in the tournament. But Nabih, who took over the reins of the squad just 27 days before the tournament began, believes his side played their best football of the competition against the Atlas Cubs. 'I took over the responsibility only 27 days ago, and we played our best match of the tournament against a Morocco team that has been preparing for four years,' Nabih said during the post-match press conference. Egypt were undone by a single goal in the second half, ending their hopes of contesting the final on home soil. However, the host nation had already secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile by reaching the semi-finals. 'I want to thank the players for their great effort. We had an extra game in the group stage and beat Ghana in the quarter-finals after extra time. The boys gave everything,' Nabih added. Egypt's journey to the last four was anything but smooth. They finished third in Group A — tied on seven points with South Africa and Sierra Leone — but edged through as one of the best third-placed teams. The team then overcame Ghana in a dramatic quarter-final clash that ended 2-2 after extra time before winning 5-4 on penalties. Nabih was quick to challenge the suggestion that Egypt's qualification from the group stage had been fortunate. 'We didn't qualify with difficulty. We got seven points, just like the group leaders South Africa and Sierra Leone. People shouldn't underestimate this achievement,' he said firmly. The Egyptian coach also highlighted the challenges his side faced in rebuilding quickly after multiple coaching changes in the build-up to the tournament. 'This team has gone through three coaching changes. I came in and worked on our defensive shape, and the players delivered. I'm proud of them,' he said. Egypt will now regroup for Sunday's third-place playoff, where they will face Nigeria, also at the Air Defense Stadium. The tournament final between Morocco and South Africa will follow later that evening at Cairo International Stadium. While the dream of lifting the continental trophy has ended, Nabih insists his team will finish strong. 'We'll do everything to give the fans something to celebrate. The journey may not have ended the way we hoped, but we have shown resilience, and I trust the boys to finish on a high.'
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco vs Egypt: Predictions and All Whatabouts on U20 AFCON Semi-Final
Rabat – A decisive match awaits not only Moroccan and Egyptian fans but also football enthusiasts from the whole continent and beyond as part of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Morocco's Atlas Cubs are facing off against Egypt's Young Pharaohs in the semi-final, which will kick off today at 7 p.m. Moroccan time. Several channels will air the game, including Arriyadia TNT, beIN Sport HD 6, CAF TV, and the official CAF YouTube channel. Mohamed Ouahbi, the head coach of the Moroccan team, says his ultimate goal is to reach the final. 'We are very happy and proud to have won the quarter-final and qualified for the World Cup,' Ouahbi said in a pre-match conference on Wednesday, noting that he knows he has a strong squad. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Egypt aims for a sixth final after they previously reached the title match in 1981,1991, 2003, 2005, and 2013. 'A win would see them reach their second final on home soil (after 1991) and their third final hosted in North Africa (including Algeria in 2013),' CAF added. As for Morocco, they have officially qualified for the U20 World Cup, marking their third appearance in the competition after 1997 and 2005. This year's tournament also marks the first time Morocco has gone four matches undefeated. Today's game also marks Morocco's fourth appearance in the tournament's semifinals. 'Since 1993, Morocco has played in two quarterfinals and two semifinals in direct knockout matches,' CAF added. Score prediction As for the score for today's match, gives Morocco a 43% probability of winning, Egypt a 25% chance, and a 32% chance of the match ending in a draw. Azscore also predicts the Atlas Cubs to take the victory, with a final score of 2-0. Today, South Africa and Egypt will also face off as part of the tournament's schedule. The final showdown of the competition will take place on Sunday. Tags: 2023 AFCONMorocco VS Egypt
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nabih rallies Young Pharaohs for Ghana clash: 'We're playing for the pride of Egypt'
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Under mounting pressure and fatigue, Egypt U20 coach Osama Nabih has rallied his Young Pharaohs ahead of Monday's high-stakes quarter-final against Ghana at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, declaring that team spirit and national pride will carry them through. Speaking at a tense pre-match press conference, Nabih acknowledged the tough road his squad has travelled so far, playing four matches in the group stage and navigating through a series of injuries and fatigue. Yet despite the setbacks, his message was clear: Egypt will not go down without a fight. 'We are going through difficult circumstances due to injuries and fatigue,' Nabih admitted. 'But we are armed with a fighting spirit and are determined to make the fans happy.' Egypt only narrowly secured their place in the quarter-finals, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. But for Nabih, that struggle has forged the unity and resolve needed for what he called a "dual dream": qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup and challenging for the continental crown. 'Advancing through the group stage was a significant psychological burden,' the coach added. 'Now the optimism in our camp is high. The boys know what's at stake. This match is a final to us.' Egypt face a Ghanaian side that topped Group C without conceding a goal. The Black Satellites, fresh off a 1-0 win over defending champions Senegal and a composed victory over Central African Republic, enter the match with confidence and fresher legs—having played just three group games and enjoyed an extra day's rest. Nabih, however, refused to make excuses. 'Yes, Ghana are strong. Yes, they've had more rest. But we are Egypt. My players are fully aware of the challenge and are ready to defend our dream,' he declared. 'We ask the fans to stand behind us in this national mission.' Captain Ahmed Khaled "Kabaka" echoed his coach's determination, calling Monday's clash a 'life-or-death' moment. 'We all consider the Ghana match as make or break,' Kabaka said. 'Everyone knows how tough this game will be, but we are counting on our strength of character. We want to put a smile on the faces of Egyptians.' Egypt's preparation continued with a final session in Ismailia before the squad travelled to Suez on Sunday morning. The atmosphere, according to team insiders, is one of controlled intensity—a squad battered but not broken, aware of the odds yet buoyed by the opportunity. Kick-off is at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at the New Suez Stadium. For Egypt, it's not just a quarter-final. It's a moment of reckoning, a chance to turn adversity into triumph in front of their home fans.
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Black Satellites face resurgent Egypt in U20 AFCON quarter-final clash
Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025 Ghana will face hosts Egypt in a high-stakes quarter-final showdown at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 on Monday afternoon in Suez, as both sides aim to keep their title hopes alive. The Black Satellites topped Group C with a perfect record, defeating DR Congo and the Central African Republic after an opening 1-1 draw. Compact in defence and clinical in attack, Desmond Ofei's side are now among the favourites to lift the trophy for a record fourth time. Their highlight so far was a gritty 1-0 victory over defending champions Senegal, which not only ended the Teranga Cubs' hopes of back-to-back titles but also underlined Ghana's resurgence on the continental youth stage. Jerry Afriyie, Joseph Aidoo and Abdul Sulemana have been key contributors, but it is Ghana's disciplined midfield structure and high-pressing game that have made the difference. Their ability to manage tight matches and punish mistakes has been central to their rise. However, standing in their way is an Egypt side that has experienced a rollercoaster campaign but now seems to have rediscovered momentum at the right time. After a strong start with a 1-0 win over South Africa, the Young Pharaohs suffered a shocking 4-1 defeat to Sierra Leone, before edging Tanzania 1-0 to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. It's a far cry from the dominance Egypt would have hoped for as hosts, but the team has shown resilience and will now look to feed off home support in the knockout stages. Coach Osama Nabih will be banking on midfield architect Ahmed Kabaka, who has created more chances than any other Egyptian in the tournament. In goal, Abdelmonem Tamer has grown in stature, while the return to form of forward Ahmed Sharaf could prove crucial. History also favours Ghana in this fixture. The West Africans defeated Egypt in the group stage of the 1993 edition and went on to win that tournament. But Egypt will hope that playing on home soil can tip the scales in their favour. With both teams boasting rich U20 histories, Monday's clash promises to be a tactical and emotional battle. Ghana are chasing their fourth title, while Egypt are seeking their first since 2003 and aiming to avoid a third consecutive group-stage elimination. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT at the Suez Canal Stadium. The winner will take on the victor of Morocco vs Sierra Leone in the semi-finals.
