Category: African News

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CAF Hosts Life Skills Lectures for Sierra Leone and Egypt U20 teams
by FSL News

CAF Hosts Life Skills Lectures for Sierra Leone and Egypt U20 teams

On Sunday, May 4th, the Confederation of African Football conducted a motivational and life skills workshop for the Sierra Leone and Egypt U-20 teams, including their coaches, at the Mercure Hotel in Ismailia.

Emphasizing mental preparation and future planning, the session aimed to equip young footballers for life beyond their playing careers.

The workshop was moderated by former Nigerian international and AFCON 1994 winner Daniel Amokachi, alongside Walter Steenbok, former Technical Director of the South African Football Association. Both are members of the CAF Technical Study Group and brought valuable insight to the session.

Amokachi praised the players’ dedication, acknowledging their strong performance and Group A leadership. He stressed the importance of building healthy relationships, making smart investments, and acquiring additional skills to ensure a stable future.

He encouraged players to pursue education and consider roles such as coaching, administration, and mentoring to help shape their post-football careers.

Steenbok commended the teams’ intensity and addressed both short- and long-term career strategies. He highlighted the importance of mentorship and leadership in a footballer’s journey, encouraging players to take on active leadership roles for personal and professional growth.

The young Sierra Leonean players left the session inspired and grateful for the guidance.

Many saw it as a turning point, reminding them that success goes beyond the pitch. With renewed focus, they embraced the path of discipline, education, and leadership as vital parts of their football journey.

Walter Steenbok, former Technical Director of the South African Football Association and Sierra Leone U20 skipper Momoh I Kamara
Walter Steenbok, former Technical Director of the South African Football Association and Sierra Leone U20 skipper Momoh I Kamara
Emphasizing mental preparation and future planning, the session aimed to equip young footballers for life beyond their playing careers.
Emphasizing mental preparation and future planning, the session aimed to equip young footballers for life beyond their playing careers
Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations spoils
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations spoils

Egypt was held to a goalless draw by Zambia in their second Group A match at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on Saturday night in Ismailia.

This result gives Egypt four points from two games, following a win against South Africa and a loss to Sierra Leone. Zambia also has two draws, including one against Sierra Leone.

Both teams showed attacking intent, but neither could score. Egypt came close in the 67th minute when Ahmed Kabaka hit the crossbar, and Mohamed Zaalouk missed a chance from close range. Zambia had scoring opportunities too, with David Simukonda missing a key shot in stoppage time.

In the first half, both teams tested each other, with Egypt’s Mohamed Abdallah forcing a save from Zambia’s goalkeeper, Leevison Banda. Egypt added fresh players in the second half, hoping to break the deadlock, but Zambia defended well.

Sierra Leone leads Group A with six points after beating Tanzania 1-0. Egypt is in second place, while Zambia has two points and needs to win in their final game to advance.

Egypt must avoid defeat in their last match to progress, facing pressure from their home fans after the loss to Sierra Leone.

No winners in Group C after opening U20 AFCON matches
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana, Senegal register opening draws in Group C U20 AFCON matches

After four teams fought to a 1-1 draw on Friday in the U20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, Group C had no opening winners .

In a fiercely fought Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, reigning champions Senegal drew 1-1 with the Central African Republic. Senegal grabbed advantage in the 49th minute following a scoreless first half with a header from Cheikh Thiam.

But Central African Republic leveled in the 74th minute when replacement Diogène Pengazonia scored from a through ball. Both teams were unable to find a victor even after generating several opportunities, including a near header from Thiam.

Senegal will get ready to face Ghana despite having control of the CAR aims to grow on this performance against DR Congo.

In their first Group C encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Ghana decided on a 1-1 tie with DR Congo. With Samuel Ntanda’s header in the 16th minute, DR Congo got off to an early lead; eight minutes later, Ghana leveled the score with Musibau Aziz.

Ghana couldn’t find the net once more despite controlling the ball and driving for a second-half winner; some close attempts included a saved Aziz header. The resilience shown by both sides helped the game to end in a draw, therefore all four teams in the group were tied on one point.

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.