Category: Sport News

Ghana U20 beat Central African Republic to top Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana U20 beat Central African Republic to top Group A

Ghana U20 won a tough match against the Central African Republic (CAR) 1-0 on Thursday. This victory allowed them to top Group C and secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2025.

Joseph Opoku scored the only goal in the 84th minute at the Suez Canal Stadium. Until then, Ghana had controlled the game with most of the possession and chances, but they couldn’t score. With this result, Ghana finished the group with seven points from three matches. Senegal also advanced to the knockout stage after beating DR Congo 2-0 in another match.

CAR needed to win to move on but spent most of the game on the defensive, struggling to create chances. Ghana’s players, like Aziz Issah and Andrews Adjabeng, tried to break the deadlock, but they had trouble finishing.

The winning goal came when Joseph Aidoo made a strong run on a counterattack and passed to Opoku in the box. Opoku scored confidently, sending the Ghana bench into celebration. CAR couldn’t mount a comeback in the final minutes as Ghana controlled the game to secure their second win of the tournament.

Ghana U20 coach Desmond Ofei expressed pride in his team’s patience and tactical discipline following their progression to the knockout stage. Ghana needed only a draw to advance after previously defeating Senegal and drawing with DR Congo, while CAR ended with just one point from three matches, a drop from their 2021 quarter-final performance.

This marks the first time Ghana has gone unbeaten in the group stage since 2013, as they aim for their fifth U20 AFCON title. The final lineup for the knockout stages will be announced after all group matches conclude on Friday.

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final buildup begins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations quarter-final buildup begins

As the Sierra Leone national team, known as the Shooting Stars, finished a demanding morning practice at the training field of the Mercure Hotel in Ismailia, the excitement for the quarter-final match in the U20 Cup of Nations is mounting.

All 26 squad members attended this meeting, highlighting their unity and dedication as they prepare for a hallowed event.

Every player Head Coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara has fit and ready for the important game set for Monday. So far in the tournament, Sierra Leone has demonstrated amazing resilience by winning two outstanding matches against Tanzania and host Egypt, as well as a hard-fought draw against Zambia.

Their Group A loss to South Africa presented a tough setback, but their play has been good enough to secure a spot in the knockout round.

There is clear optimism among the coaches and players as the squad sets out on this road toward their first-ever quarter-final in the U20 Cup of Nations.

As they prepare for Cairo, they have adopted a renewed tactical approach stressing teamwork and strategic play, which they think would be quite useful. The Shooting Stars are set to make history, their spirits high and their resolve obvious.

Striker Alie Conteh Nets Hat-Trick for Mjondalen IF
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh Nets Hat-trick for Mjondalen IF

Sierra Leone international Alie Conteh scored a hat-trick as Mjondalen IF defeated Strømmen 3-1 in the Norwegian NM Cupen third round on Wednesday, advancing to the fourth round for the first time since 2019.

The young MIF team conceded a goal from a set piece, and against a team in the flow zone, it could be difficult to turn things around.

Conteh’s Mjøndalen pressed Strømmen and equalised just before halftime when Jonas Bruusgaard’s cross was tapped in by Conteh. Alie Conteh smelled the opportunity and elegantly tipped the ball into the goal with his right foot. Thus, it was 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Conteh capitalised on another Bruusgaard pass, striking the ball past the goalkeeper to give Mjondalen the lead.

Despite Strømmen’s late pressure, Mjondalen’s defence held firm. In stoppage time, Conteh completed his hat-trick, sealing the victory with a clinical finish after breaking past three defenders.

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco U-20 pick Cup of Nations quarter final ticket

Morocco Under-20 finished their group stage with an unbeaten record, winning 3-1 against Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium. This victory secured the top spot in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.

Ayman Arguigue scored the first goal in the first half, setting the pace for Morocco. Late goals from Smail Bakhty and substitute Jones El Abdellaoui clinched the win. Tunisia briefly tied the game with an equalizer from Anis Doubal early in the second half, but they could not keep up and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The match was crucial for both teams, as they aimed for a knockout spot, depending on the outcome of the Nigeria vs. Kenya game, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Morocco’s victory ensured they finished first with seven points, while Nigeria came in second with five.

Morocco started strongly, putting pressure on Tunisia’s defense. Their efforts paid off just before halftime when Arguigue scored in the 44th minute after a great setup from Zahouani.

After halftime, Tunisia tied the game in the 53rd minute with a long-range goal from Doubal. However, Morocco regained the lead in the 86th minute when Bakhty scored during a goalmouth scramble, and El Abdellaoui sealed the victory with a stoppage time goal from a quick counterattack.

This win solidified Morocco’s unbeaten streak in the group stage, showcasing a strong defense and sharp attack. Tunisia, despite showing some quality, finished third with three points and a negative goal difference, and their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams are dimmed by this heavy loss.

Nigeria through to quarter-finals after draw with Kenya in U20 AFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria through to quarter-finals after draw with Kenya in U20 AFCON

Nigeria secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations by drawing 2-2 with Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday.

With this result and Morocco’s 3-1 win over Tunisia in another Group B match, Nigeria finished second in the group with five points. Kenya ended their tournament with just one point from three games.

Though already eliminated, Kenya played well and took the lead twice. Kevin Injehu scored a penalty in the sixth minute after a handball by Emmanuel Chukwu was reviewed by VAR.

Nigeria quickly equalized when Kparobo Arierhi scored in the 13th minute after receiving a pass from Simon Cletus. Both teams created chances, and Kenya went ahead again in the 68th minute when substitute William Gitama scored from a set-piece.

But Nigeria equalized just five minutes later. Captain Daniel Bameyi scored a penalty after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box. Nigeria tried hard for a win in the final minutes, with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana both close to scoring, but Kenya’s defense held strong.

Kenya finished with one point, having scored in all three matches despite being eliminated. Morocco topped Group B with seven points, followed by Nigeria with five points, Tunisia with three, and Kenya with one.

Next, Nigeria will prepare for the quarter-finals and will face an opponent yet to be announced from another group.