Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Tanzania square off in Group A U-20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa and Tanzania set to square off in Group A U-20 AFCON

South Africa will seek their first win at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt 2025 when they play Tanzania in Group A on Wednesday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT).

South Africa lost 1-0 to Egypt in their first game, while Tanzania had a bye. This is their first meeting at the tournament; South Africa has a record of two wins and one loss against East African teams, having previously lost to Ethiopia but won against Sudan and Burundi.

South Africa Facts

– In 1997, South Africa lost their opening match but still reached the final.

– If they lose again, it will be the first time since 2015 they start with two losses.

– In 2019, they drew their first two games before beating Burundi and finishing third.

– Their record in second group games is three wins, two draws, and three losses.

– They controlled 61.6% of possession against Egypt and hit the woodwork three times.

Tanzania Facts

– This is Tanzania’s second AFCON appearance after they debuted in 2021, where they did not win any matches.

– They lost 4-0 to Ghana in their first game in 2021 and conceded a total of eight goals.

– Tanzania’s only goal in 2021 was a late equalizer against Gambia.

– They qualified for this tournament by winning the 2024 CECAFA U-20 Championship after some impressive victories

AFCON U20 Match-Day Two Preview Sierra Leone v Egypt
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Preview: Sierra Leone Battle Host Egypt in AFCON U20 Match Day Two

On Wednesday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Sierra Leone and host country Egypt will square off during the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Scheduled start time for the game is 21:00 local (18:00 GMT).

Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara is expected to make a few changes to the starting lineup against Zambia, aiming for positive results against the host nation.

“We will make one or possibly two tactical adjustments for our next match against Egypt. Coach Kamara briefly explained that his side have been focused on converting goal chances, unlike in our first game.”

Without a doubt, the Shooting Stars will be looking for their first win after playing their opening match to a goalless draw. By contrast, Egypt, who won 1-0 against South Africa in their opening match on Sunday, will be hoping for back-to-back victories.

This is Sierra Leone’s first show in the tournament, and their first match ended in a 0-0 draw against Zambia.

Egypt has warned players about collective formation as the national under-20 team wraps up training in Ismailia under technical director Osama Nabiyeh. They are preparing for their second match in the African Cup of Nations against Sierra Leone.

Nabiyeh emphasized the need for adherence to technical instructions and encouraged a fighting spirit, which was key in their 1-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match. He noted that the tournament is tough, with all teams closely matched, and success will come from effort and perseverance.

Egypt’s last match against a team making its tournament debut was in the 2005 semi-finals against Benin, which also ended in a 1-1 draw before Egypt won on penalties.

Historically, Egypt has encountered tournament debutants ten times since 1979, resulting in three wins, four draws, and three losses.

Without a doubt, the Shooting Stars will be looking for their first win after playing their opening match to a goalless draw.
Without a doubt, the Shooting Stars will be looking for their first win after playing their opening match to a goalless draw.
Nigeria set for Tunisia U-20 Cup of Nations cracker
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria set for Tunisia U-20 Cup of Nations cracker

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are preparing to extend their dominance at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which started on Sunday in Egypt. Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles are the tournament’s most successful team, having won seven titles.

They are aiming for an unprecedented eighth crown as they open their Group B campaign against Tunisia on  Thursday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.

In addition to Tunisia, the Flying Eagles will face Morocco and Kenya in what promises to be a fiercely contested group.

To prepare for the U-20 AFCON, Nigeria played three international friendly matches, including two against Cote d’Ivoire. The Flying Eagles won two of these matches, defeating both the Ivorians and Egypt.

Hosts Egypt made a winning start in the competition, achieving a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa at Cairo International Stadium.

Mohamed Abdallah scored the decisive goal in the second half. Despite suffering three first-half injuries that forced early substitutions, the Young Pharaohs maintained their composure and rightfully claimed maximum points.

Ndidi set to leave Leicester City due to a relegation release clause
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wilfred Ndidi set to leave Leicester due to relegation release clause

Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi can leave the club for £9 million because of a release clause. This clause became active when Leicester lost 1-0 to Liverpool last weekend, which sent them down to the Championship with five games left in the season.

Since then, Leicester has also lost 3-0 to Wolves, and Ndidi is one of several players thinking about his future. The club believes it can rebuild its squad, as release clauses are rare at Leicester, and only three players’ contracts end this summer: goalkeepers Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward, and legendary striker Jamie Vardy, who is leaving after 13 years at the club.

Ndidi attracted interest from clubs like Marseille and Everton when he was a free agent last summer. However, he signed a new three-year deal with Leicester then.

He joined the club in 2017 for £17 million from Genk, and the interest from other teams likely led to his new contract including a release clause. Ndidi has won an FA Cup and the Championship while at Leicester and has played 27 times in all competitions this season.

Simba FC through to CAF Confed final after goalless draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Simba through to CAF Confed final after goalless draw

Simba secured a place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after battling to a goalless draw against Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

The Tanzanian giants advanced 1-0 on aggregate due to their first-leg victory in Zanzibar, and their disciplined defensive display was enough to keep the South Africans at bay in Durban.

Needing a win to overturn the deficit, Stellenbosch pushed forward aggressively but were unable to penetrate an inspired Simba defense and goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who stood tall throughout the tense encounter.

Stellenbosch came closest to scoring in the closing stages, with Fawaaz Basadien and Ismaël Touré both missing crucial opportunities late in the game. Devin Titus and Sanele Barns also saw their efforts narrowly miss the target as the hosts searched desperately for a breakthrough.

Simba continues to pursue their dream of winning a continental title for the first time since 1993 by reaching the final, where they will face the winner of CS Constantine and RS Berkane.

For Stellenbosch, this marks the end of their historic Confederation Cup campaign, achieving the last four in their first continental venture. Simba will rely on their strong defense as they prepare for the final, aiming to secure the trophy.

Simba’s victory keeps alive their dream of winning a continental title for the first time since 1993, when they were runners-up in the old CAF Cup. They will now face the winner of CS Constantine and RS Berkane in the final.

For Stellenbosch, their historic Confederation Cup campaign ends in the semi-finals, exceeding expectations in their first venture into continental football. Simba will build on their solid defense as they prepare for the final, aiming to complete their journey with a trophy.