Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco got off to a winning start in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco edge Kenya in five-goal thriller Group Opener

Morocco started their campaign in the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, with a thrilling 3-2 win against Kenya in Group B on Thursday night at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Morocco had to come from behind twice to secure the victory in an exciting match that highlighted the intensity of youth football in Africa. Kenya, participating in the U20 AFCON for the first time since 1979, began strongly. In the 16th minute, Lawrence Ouma scored with a header from Kevin Injehu’s well-placed free kick, celebrating with great joy.

Morocco equalized just before halftime. A scramble in the box allowed Yassir Zabiri to score, and after a brief review by VAR due to possible infringement, the goal was confirmed. This made the score 1-1 at halftime.

The second half was even more dramatic. Just ten minutes in, Zabiri scored again with a sharp header, giving Morocco a 2-1 lead. Kenya responded in the 71st minute. Hassan Beja scored from the center of the box after good teamwork with Aldrine Kibet, leveling the match at 2-2.

Morocco pressed on and regained the lead in the 78th minute. Reda Laalaoui received a clever pass from Saad El Haddad and calmly scored, making it 3-2.

In the 89th minute, Morocco earned a penalty, but Othmane Maamma’s shot was saved by Kenyan keeper Baron Ochieng, keeping Kenya’s hopes alive. Kenya fought hard for an equalizer and came close in stoppage time when Aldrine Kibet’s header hit the post. Despite this, Morocco held on for three important points and topped the group after Matchday 1.

Kenya can take many positives from this match, particularly their fearless and creative attack. Morocco showed composure and experience at key moments and will feel confident going into their next match.

Nigeria start U20 AFCON with a win over Tunisia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria start U20 AFCON with a win over Tunisia

Nigeria got off to a winning start in their quest for an eighth TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, overcoming Tunisia 1-0 in a tightly contested Group B opener at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Thursday.

Auwal Ibrahim scored in the first half, securing Nigeria’s win. The Flying Eagles played well in the early stages, creating several chances, but Tunisia was strong on defence. In the 38th minute, Odinaka Okoro assisted Ibrahim, who scored from close range to give Nigeria the lead.

Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in their U-20 AFCON opener, thanks to a first-half goal from Auwal Ibrahim in the 38th minute. Despite controlling the match early on, Nigeria faced a resilient Tunisian side that made late attempts to equalize, nearly scoring through Omar Ben Ali and Anis Doubal. Tunisia’s best chance came in the 87th minute but was denied by Nigeria’s defense and goalkeeper.

The game saw six yellow cards shared between both teams, highlighting its intensity. Nigeria’s midfield, led by Divine Oliseh and Clinton Jephta, played a crucial role in holding control, although the second half saw an increase in fouls.

With this win, Nigeria gains three important points in a group that also includes Morocco and Kenya, while Tunisia faces pressure heading into their next match.

Nigeria, the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history with seven titles, has now gone unbeaten in eight of their last ten tournament openers. Tunisia, however, continues their winless streak against West African teams since 1987.

Ibrahim Kamara nets hattrick as Sierra Leone go top of Group A in U-20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ibrahim Kamara nets hattrick as Sierra Leone go top of Group A in U-20 AFCON

Ibrahim Kamara put on an amazing performance on Wednesday night, helping Sierra Leone beat Egypt 4-1 in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Stadium.

This win puts Sierra Leone at the top of Group A, with Egypt in second place. In the earlier match, South Africa beat Tanzania.

Kamara scored a hat trick, with all his goals from outside the box, and Sallieu Bah scored a penalty kick to secure the win for Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone started slowly and struggled to keep the ball, while Egypt pushed them back into their half. Egypt almost scored in the first three minutes but missed the target. Sierra Leone had a chance to score in the 24th minute, but a goal by Samuel Gandi was disallowed by VAR.

Just before halftime, Egypt took the lead when Khaled Soliman scored a well-placed shot that beat goalkeeper Mamadou Jalloh.

After halftime, Sierra Leone came back stronger and equalized in the 63rd minute when Kamara scored with a surprising strike. Soon after, Kamara scored again with another great shot from the edge of the box.

Then, Egypt gave away a penalty for a handball by Mohammed Samir. Bah scored from the penalty spot to extend the lead. Finally, Kamara scored his third goal, firing another shot into the net from inside the box, making it 4-1.

The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON continues on Saturday, with Tanzania playing against Sierra Leone, while Egypt will face Zambia.

South Africa register first U-20 AFCON win over Tanzania in Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa register first U-20 AFCON win in Group A

South Africa won their first match in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Tanzania 1-0 on Wednesday. The game took place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila, Egypt.

In the first half, there were not many scoring opportunities for either team. Tanzania had better possession and direct play at first, but their first chance came when Valentino Mashaka failed to score in the 15th minute.

The Amajitas took the lead in the 27th minute. Shakeel April scored after taking advantage of a mistake by Tanzanian goalkeeper Ismail Mpank. He was assisted by Faiz Abrahams.

Tanzania almost equalized later in the half, but Shekhani Khamis missed a header.

In the second half, Tanzania played stronger. Striker Bakari Msimu was a constant threat. He nearly scored with a header, but Amajitas goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe made a good save.

With this win, South Africa is now in second place in Group A with three points. Tanzania starts their campaign with this close defeat and is currently in fifth place with one match played.

South Africa will have nearly a week off before playing Sierra Leone next Tuesday. Tanzania will face Sierra Leone on Saturday in their next group match..

Coach Kamara Makes Two Changes for Sierra Leone U20 Match Against Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Coach Kamara Makes Two Changes for Sierra Leone U20 Match Against Egypt

Sierra Leone’s head coach, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, has made two changes to his squad ahead of their U20 Cup of Nations tie against Egypt tonight at the Suez Canal Stadium.

Injury concerns led to the replacement of Mohamed Fofanah with Sulaiman Kargbo, and Santigue was substituted out for Mohamed Bai Kamara for tactical purposes.

Impressive debutant goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh retains his position in goal, while the defensive line of Alpha Turay, Nathial Jalloh, Saidu Bangura, and Amara Keita will look to maintain another clean sheet.

The midfield trio consists of Alpha Kabia, Mohamed Bai Kamara, and Momoh I Kamara, who will provide support to the attacking front of Sulaiman, Saliue Bah, and Samuel Gandi.

Sierra Leone is seeking their first win in the ongoing competition after an impressive goalless draw against Zambia on Sunday. The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations began on April 27 and will end on May 18.

Injury concerns led to the replacement of Mohamed Fofanah with Sulaiman Kargbo, and Santigue was substituted out for Mohamed Bai Kamara for tactical purposes.
Injury concerns led to the replacement of Mohamed Fofanah with Sulaiman Kargbo, and Santigue was substituted out for Mohamed Bai Kamara for tactical purposes.