Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria pick Chile U20 World Cup ticket after defeating Senegal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria pick Chile U20 World Cup ticket after defeating Senegal

Nigeria beat Senegal 3-1 on penalties to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The match, held at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, ended 0-0 after both regulation and extra time.

With this win, Nigeria qualified for U20 World Cup in Chile and they moved closer to their eighth U20 AFCON title, while Senegal reflects on their strong campaign.

In this intense quarter-final match, both teams had chances to score but could not find the net after 120 minutes. Nigeria, unbeaten in the group stage, stayed composed during the shootout.

Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma scored their penalties, while Senegal struggled, with Pierre Dorival’s shot saved, Mame Mor Faye’s attempt stopped, and Ousmane Konaté hitting the crossbar. Seydi Diouck scored Senegal’s only penalty, but it wasn’t enough.

Nigeria’s victory marks their eighth consecutive quarter-final win at the U20 AFCON. They will advance to the semi-finals, maintaining their perfect record in quarter-finals.

Both teams had opportunities in open play, with Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh forcing saves from Senegal’s goalkeeper, Mouhamed Sissokho. Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam nearly scored, hitting the post in the 42nd minute.

During extra time, Nigeria pushed hard, but despite several attempts, the score remained tied. Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt, made a crucial save against Mame Mor Faye’s penalty kick.

After the game, Nigeria’s head coach, Ladan Bosso, praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties. I’m proud of the boys for executing under pressure.”

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu set to leave Luton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DRC’s Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu set to leave Luton Town after eleven years

Luton Town will release Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu this summer after he spent over 11 years at the club.

The 31-year-old midfielder is considered a “club legend” for his contributions to Luton’s rise from the National League to the Premier League.

He joined the team as a teenager in 2013 and made a total of 412 appearances, although he spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham United.

The club announced that Mpanzu is leaving after playing a key role in four promotions, making him an important part of their history.

In addition to Mpanzu, goalkeeper Tim Krul, defender Amari’i Bell, and Nigeria international Victor Moses will also leave Luton after their relegation from the Championship. Bell, who spent four years with the club, was part of the team that achieved promotion in the 2022-23 season.

Jameson Horlick, another first-team player, will also leave Kenilworth Road. However, club captain Tom Lockyer, who is out of contract, will remain with the team to continue his recovery from ankle surgery.

CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI

As per the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), Sierra Leone’s standout performer, Momoh Kamara, has been honoured in the Best XI of the group stage at the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.

In four games, the agile playmaker scored four spectacular goals, helping Sierra Leone make history by reaching the quarter-finals on their first try.

Kamara in photo alongside Walter Steenbok, former Technical Director of the South African Football Association, took all the individual awards, winning both Top Scorer and Best Player. To honour the tournament’s highlight stars, the TSG picked a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. Levison Banda of Zambia was named Best Goalkeeper; his defenders were Nigeria’s Odinaka Okoro, Daniel Bameyi, Ghana’s Dacosta Antwi, and Sierra Leone’s Nathaniel Jalloh.

South Africa’s Lazola Maku and Kenya’s Kevin Wangaya drive the game forward from midfield; Kamara is joined in the attack by Morocco’s Othmane Maamma and Zambia’s Joseph Sabobo. At the head of the line is Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa of DR Congo, whose important contributions guaranteed advancement for his team.

Mohamed Ouahbi of Morocco was chosen Best Coach for leading his team to an unbeaten group stage; Ghana earned the Fair Play Award for their discipline. Along with the recently unveiled Africa’s first FIFA Mini Pitch in Algeria, the knockout phase approaches increase the enthusiasm for these outstanding players and their countries.

CAF U20 AFCON Egypt 2025 – Group Stage Best XI (1-4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper:

  1. Levison Banda – Zambia

Defenders:

2. Nathaniel Jalloh – Sierra Leone

3. Odinaka Okoro – Nigeria

4. Daniel Bameyi – Nigeria

5. Dacosta Antwi – Ghana

Midfielders:

6. Kevin Wangaya – Kenya

7. Lazola Maku – South Africa

8. Momoh Kamara – Sierra Leone

Forwards:

9. Joseph Sabobo – Zambia

10. Othmane Maamma – Morocco

11. Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa – DR Congo

Individual Awards (Group Stage):

🏆 Best Player: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone)

🥅 Best Goalkeeper: Levison Banda (Zambia)

⚽ Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (4 goals, Sierra Leone)

👔 Best Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco)

🏅 Fair Play Team: Ghana

CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI
CAF TSG named U20 AFCON Group Stage top scorer Momoh Kamara in the Best XI
The inaugural FIFA Mini Pitch in Africa has been launched in Algeria
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

First FIFA Mini Pitch In Africa Inaugurated in Algeria  

Algeria has made history by becoming the first African nation to inaugurate a FIFA Arena mini-pitch, part of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s initiative to install 1,000 such pitches globally, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The new facility was officially opened at Collège Malek Haddad in East Algiers, with plans for a second pitch at Ibn Joubair school in West Algiers. Together, these pitches will serve around 1,500 children from local schools and grassroots clubs, providing vital opportunities for youth engagement in sports.

The FIFA Arena project aims to establish a total of 11 mini-pitches, or “Starting Eleven,” across all six confederations. So far, pitches have launched in Georgia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Armenia, making Algeria the first African country and the fifth worldwide to benefit. The project target areas are those lacking access to sports facilities.

Infantino emphasised the project’s mission, stating, “Every child deserves a safe space that allows them to learn, to play, and to grow.” Walid Sadi, president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), expressed gratitude for FIFA’s support, highlighting that these mini-pitches advance school football and nurture future football talent.

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Association Officer, underscored the importance of this milestone for grassroots football in Algeria, stating, “In a football-passionate country like Algeria, this inauguration paves the way toward excellence. These children have the potential to become the next Mahrez or Slimani.”

Sierra Leone's Momoh I Kamara tops U20 AFCON scoring chart after group stage
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Momoh I Kamara tops U20 AFCON scoring chart

Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara is the top scorer at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, with four goals in four matches.

The new Minnesota United acquisition has played a crucial role in leading his nation to the quarter-finals, where they will face tournament favourites Morocco.

Kamara’s standout performances have established him as one of Africa’s brightest prospects. He holds a two-goal lead over challengers like DR Congo’s Samuel Ntanda and Noah Makanza, both with two goals, and Senegal’s Cheikh Tidiane Thiam, who also has two goals.

The other two-goal scorers include South Africa’s Thabang Mahlangu and Morocco’s Yassir Zabiri.

The quarter-finals will feature Morocco vs. Sierra Leone, South Africa vs. Senegal, DR Congo vs. Nigeria, and Egypt vs. Ghana.

All eyes will be on Kamara as he aims to maintain his scoring lead in the knockout stages. Already drawn attention from scouts across Africa and Europe.

A strong showing in the knockout rounds could accelerate his rise to prominence and cement his place among the continent’s next generation of stars.

The Golden Boot race is far from over, and with knockout football on the horizon, a single standout performance could shake up the leaderboard.

Top scorers after the group stage:

  • Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals
  • Samuel Ntanda (DR Congo) – 2 goals
  • Noah Makanza (DR Congo) – 2 goals
  • Cheikh Tidiane Thiam (Senegal) – 2 goals
  • Lawrence Ouma (Kenya) – 2 goals
  • Thabang Mahlangu (South Africa) – 2 goals
  • Yassir Zabiri (Morocco) – 2 goals
Momoh I. Kamara has won back-to-back Man of the Match awards in the ongoing U20 AFCON
Momoh I. Kamara has won back-to-back Man of the Match awards in the ongoing U20 AFCON
Financial boost for Sierra Leone's Shooting Stars ahead of historic U20 quarter-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Financial boost for Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars ahead of historic U20 quarter-final

The Sierra Leone government, via the National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Sports, has pledged a $500 bonus for the U-20 Shooting Stars ahead of their crucial quarterfinal match against Morocco in the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.

NSA Executive Director Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai and Madam Augusta James-Teima, the Minister of Sports, during the visit, sincerely acknowledged the team’s relentless efforts.

Pledging a $500 winning bonus for every player starting from the quarterfinal against Morocco up to the final, Dr. Abdulai praised the athletes for their discipline and resilience. Emphasising the federation’s dedication to youth football development, he also commended the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) for successfully organising and preparing the team.

Madam James-Teima stressed once more the government support and the team’s beneficial influence on the reputation of Sierra Leone. She appreciated National Teams Ambassador Christian Dauda and national team scout Morlai Kamara for their work in recruiting and developing skills.

As the gathering buzzed with excitement for what could be a historic milestone—a triumph that would guarantee Sierra Leone’s sought-after place in the prestigious FIFA U-20 World Cup in the vivacious scenery of Chile—the sense of unity and shared purpose was apparent. The encouragement offered during this visit highlighted the road toward a fantasy that many people cherish and was a lighthouse of hope.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Captain Momoh Ibrahim Kamara thanked everyone and vowed that the crew would work very hard. Under coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara, the players’ preparedness and cohesion impressed supporters.

With national pride at stake, the Shooting Stars are quite driven to create history. Eight teams guaranteed their places in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after a run of exciting games on Friday, May 9.

Top Goalscorer: Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara leads the scoring charts with 4 goals.

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures

12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal

15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt

15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone

18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo

Nigeria and Senegal set a date as debutant Sierra Leone battle on Morocco
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Senegal set a date as debutant Sierra Leone to battle Morocco

With Nigeria meeting the defending champions, Senegal, at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, the U20 Cup of Nations quarterfinals promise to be thrilling and a noted West African rivalry.

At the same time, tournament newcomer Sierra Leone has a difficult assignment against one of the favourites, Morocco.

Eight teams guaranteed their places in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after a run of exciting games on Friday, May 9.

Emerging talents all throughout the continent are highlighted in this tournament, which acts as a qualifying event for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Besides the continental title, these young athletes are also vying for four open World Cup spots for Africa.

Egypt (hosts), DR Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and South Africa are the teams moving on to the knockout stage. Monday, May 12, will see the quarterfinal matches.

With a slim 1-0 win over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium, tournament hosts Egypt advanced to the quarterfinals and guaranteed their place as one of the two finest third-placed teams, alongside DR Congo.

With a 3-1 victory over the Central African Republic and a 1-1 tie against Ghana, DR Congo’s performance was sufficient to see them through.

South Africa ended up at the top in Group A, despite a 1-1 draw with neighbors Zambia. Second in that category was Sierra Leone.

Group B saw Morocco finish first; Nigeria, who came in second, will join Morocco in the knockout stages.

Defending champions Senegal also progressed, finishing second behind group leaders Ghana in Group C but edging out DR Congo on goal difference.

Exciting Quarterfinal Matches:

Promising excitement and unusual pairings, the next quarterfinals In the first quarterfinal confrontation, defending champions Senegal will take on a strong Nigeria. Hosts Egypt face a steep challenge against a sure Ghana. Having shown strong performance in the group stage, Morocco will face a Sierra Leone eager whereas the talented South Africans would have to deal with a tactically savvy DR Congo.

Top Goalscorer: Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara leads the scoring charts with 4 goals.

TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Quarter-Finals Fixtures

12h00 GMT | Nigeria vs Senegal

15h00 GMT | Ghana vs Egypt

15h00 GMT | Morocco vs Sierra Leone

18h00 GMT | South Africa vs DR Congo

Defending champions Senegal squeeze into U20 AFCON quarter-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending champions Senegal squeeze into U20 AFCON quarter-finals

Defending champions Senegal kept their title hopes alive with a tough 2-0 win over DR Congo in their last Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Suez on Thursday.

Cheikh Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng scored the goals that helped Senegal advance to the quarter-finals as runners-up, finishing ahead of DR Congo on goal difference.

In another match, Ghana’s 1-0 win over the Central African Republic meant Senegal needed a win to progress, as they had only one point from their first two games.

Starting the match with urgency, Senegal earned a penalty in the 9th minute when Clayton Diandy was fouled in the box. Thiam’s penalty was saved, but he quickly scored from the rebound in the 11th minute, giving Senegal an early lead.

DR Congo put up a strong fight, with Messy Manitu and Frédéric Ngoyala forcing saves from Senegal’s Babacar Ndiaye in the second half. However, they struggled to find the net.

In the 81st minute, Senegal was awarded a second penalty after Dieu Kalonji’s handball, which Dieng converted for the win.

With this victory, Senegal finished second in Group C with four points, behind Ghana’s seven, and will face the Group D winners in the quarter-finals.

DR Congo had earlier victories against the Central African Republic and a draw with Ghana but couldn’t maintain clean sheets, costing them crucial points. Senegal aims to become the first team since Nigeria in 2005 to win the U20 AFCON title again.

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.