Category: Sport News

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

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.

Opposition Watch - Egypt shift to Ismailia ahead of Sierra Leone tie
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Opposition Watch – Egypt shift to Ismailia ahead of Sierra Leone tie

Egypt, the host country, has shifted their attention to the next game against Sierra Leone on matchday two of the U20 Cup of Nations following their close 1-0 win over South Africa. The team from Cairo safely reached Ismailia.

A representative from the Egyptian delegation confirmed that they will be staying at the Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel, the same accommodation chosen by Sierra Leone, ahead of their games against the Shooting Stars and Zambia.

Sierra Leone will face off against the North African team, Egypt, on Wednesday, April 30th, before the young Pharaohs host Zambia on May 3rd. Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Suez Canal Stadium.

Egypt won their opening match and leads Group A. They will play Sierra Leone on Wednesday, while South Africa takes on Tanzania.

The Pharaohs aim for their fifth U-20 continental title, having won in 1981, 1991, 2003, and 2013.

The top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. A strong start is key, and Egypt impressed their home fans with a promising beginning.