Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.

Sierra Leone edge closer to U20 AFCON Quater-final spot after defeating Tanzania
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone becomes the first to reach AFCON U-20 Quarter-finals

In Group A, striker Samuel Gandi scored in the 37th minute to lead the Shooting Stars to a 1-0 victory over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Saturday.

With one draw and two victories against the hosts, Egypt, and Tanzania, the Shooting Stars accumulated a total of seven points, securing their advancement with one game remaining in the group stage.

Matchday three between Tanzania and Sierra Leone got off to a scrappy start, with both sides struggling to take control. After a couple of missed passes and a slow tempo, Sierra Leone almost broke the deadlock when skipper Momoh I Kamara made a run but misplayed his pass to midfielder Salieu Bah in the 16th minute.

Immediately following that, Tanzania caught Sierra Leone’s midfield and defense off guard when striker Bakari Msimu missed an open net after completely missing the ball.

However, Sierra Leone took the lead in the 37th minute after a rebound found striker Samuel Gandi, who tapped in the opener.

After the break, Sierra Leone looked more comfortable on the ball in the opening minutes, but Tanzania responded with urgency, pressing higher and dominating possession. Jammy Simba and Ahmed Pipino both came close to equalizing, with Simba narrowly missing a header and Pipino firing a free kick just off target.

As the clock wound down, the East Africans continued to press. Substitute Vedastus Masinde’s shot was blocked, and Anthony Mlingo’s late attempts failed to find the back of the net as Sierra Leone held firm defensively.

Sierra Leone could have doubled their lead on the counter, with Momoh Kamara and Sulaiman Kargbo both seeing their efforts blocked in the dying minutes.

The result sees Sierra Leone temporarily top the group with six points, ahead of Egypt’s clash with Zambia later tonight. Meanwhile, Tanzania, still without a goal or a point, faces an uphill battle going into their final group match.

Read Egypt and Zambia share Group A U20 Cup of Nations Spoils 
Back-to-back wins for the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone, as skipper Momoh I. Kamara was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive time
Back-to-back wins for the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone, as skipper Momoh I. Kamara was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive time
One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo

Following their remarkable victory over Egypt, Sierra Leone’s head coach, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, has changed one player on his squad for today’s crucial U20 Africa Cup of Nations game against Tanzania.

Mohamed Fofanah has stepped in for Sulaiman S Kargbo, who participated in the matchday two win, for this vital match as the team seeks to advance to the knockout phases.

Goalkeeper Mamadou Wurie Jalloh, who is a pivotal player made a strong debut and retains his position in goal. The defensive line will again feature Alpha Turay, Nathaniel Jalloh, Saidu Bangura, and Amara Keita, all of whom will work to maintain a positive outcome.

The midfield trio includes Alpha Kabia, Mohamed Bai Kamara, and Momoh I Kamara – providing support for the attacking front of Sulaiman Kargbo, Saliue Bah, and Samuel Gandi.

Sierra Leone is seeking their first win in the tournament after an impressive goalless draw against Zambia on Sunday and a victory over Egypt. Coach Kamara’s side is looking to solidify its place in the quarterfinals.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations started on April 27 and will end on May 18. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.

One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo
One Change as Mohamed Fofanah steps in for Sulaiman Kargbo
Osman Kamara of Arsenal talks on his Sierra Leone U20 AFCON debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kamara of Arsenal talks on his Sierra Leone U20 AFCON debut

Debutant for Sierra Leone and Arsenal young Osman Kamara talked about his first game with Coach Mohamed L Kamara’s U20 Cup of Nations squad following the 0-0 tie with Zambia at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.

The Arsenal U21 player was subbed on in the 85th minute and said he was pleased to be able to help the team. “My first game against Zambia especially since it was our Independence Day, I really cherished that moment.

He added, I was grateful to have those minutes with the team.” On his experience with the team, Kamara noted that he was warmly welcomed and has built a strong connection with his teammates as they prepare for the upcoming match against Egypt.

Looking forward, Kamara is positive: “I think we will show well against a hard Egypt team. As a group, we are trying hard to do better in our next match. I can help to improve the team’s level since coming from Arsenal, an English top club.”

Kamara’s stats with Arsenal Youth Side

Along with two assists, Osman struck nine goals in 14 games in the U18 Premier League during his best goalscoring season in 2023/24. He also got useful experience in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League and 2 for the under-21s, Premier League.

The flexible forward has been an Arsenal fan since birth and can play a more middle role in front. Having signed his first official contract with the team last summer, Osman can play internationally for either Sierra Leone or England Senior A teams.

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.
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