Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFAFCON
CAF
5 days ago
- Business
- CAF
CAF and APSONIC Renew Partnership making APSONIC an Official Sponsor for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ('AFCON') Morocco 2025 and AFCON 2027
Published: Friday, 18 July 2025 The Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF') and Apsonic, a leading manufacturer of motorcycles, announced an agreement making Apsonic an Official Sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ('AFCON') Morocco 2025 and the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2027. The Partnership agreement was signed in China and this follows on the success of the initial agreement signed in 2023 which related to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d'Ivoire 2023 that attracted over 1.5 billion TV audiences in 178 countries. CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: 'We are pleased to renew our Partnership with Apsonic following the success of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d'Ivoire 2023. It is important to CAF that significant commercial value and benefits are created for our sponsors as a result of their partnerships with CAF. We look forward to expanding our mutually beneficial Partnership with Apsonic and our joint commitment to the development and growth of African Football.' The signing ceremony took place in Guangzhou, China and was attended by CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba and Zhang Lian, Chairman of Sincerity Holdings Group. Zhang Lian said: 'As a well-known motorcycle brand in Africa, Apsonic has won wide acclaim for its reliable quality and significant contribution to improving the daily lives of African people. Apsonic has always been actively involved in African culture, livelihood, and sports and has shown great enthusiasm and investment in African football. Our brand image has also been demonstrated in major football events in Africa many times. The "speed and passion" carried by Apsonic motorcycles and football is continuously providing joy to people across the African Continent.' As part of the Agreement, Apsonic will receive premium brand exposure across all CAF platforms, including in-stadium branding, digital activation campaigns and fan engagement initiatives. Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
26-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know your team
File Fact: Nickname: Bafana Bafana Total Appearances: Three (2011, 2014, 2025) Last Appearance: Algeria 2022 (Did not qualify) Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 56 Coach: Molefe Ntseki Captain: Neo Maema South Africa Eye First Knockout Spot At TotalEnergies CHAN Having qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for only the fourth time, South Africa will be hoping to finally break their group-stage curse and go deeper into the tournament. Bafana Bafana's CHAN journey has been a mixed one. Their best performance came in 2014 on home soil when they made it out of the group stages but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Nigeria. Since then, they've struggled to make a meaningful impact, with disappointing campaigns in 2016 and failure to qualify in 2018 and 2022. This year, South Africa return with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country's domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage. Despite hosting the tournament in 2014, they've never reached the semi-final stage. This year presents a big opportunity to rewrite that history. What To Expect: There is cautious optimism around this Bafana Bafana team, which features domestic league standouts and emerging stars the lower division. With more technical depth and attacking flair than in previous editions, expectations are that Ntseki's side will aim to at least make the knockout phase. Fan Zone: Did you know? South Africa's only senior continental title came at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 1996 on home soil. Since then, the country has been chasing another major trophy at senior level. While CHAN is not contested with overseas-based players, it remains a prestigious platform, especially for homegrown talent seeking to break into the senior Bafana Bafana squad for future TotalEnergies CAF AFCON or World Cup campaigns. How They Qualified: South Africa sealed their spot at the finals after a dominant 2-1 aggregate win over Malawi in the final qualification round. Under the guidance of coach Molefi, the squad impressed over both legs with attacking intent and solid defensive shape. Key Player To Watch: Neo Maema The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is a visionary player who is renowned for both creating and finishing off scoring chances. His influence was vital as Bafana Bafana managed to qualify for the next edition of the CHAN. Know The Coach: Know The Coach: Molefi Ntseki Molefi Ntseki returns to the national team fold with the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana's CHAN squad. The 54-year-old previously served as head coach of the senior national team from 2019 to 2021, having also worked extensively within SAFA's youth structures, including the U17 and U20 teams. Known for his tactical discipline and deep knowledge of domestic football, Ntseki is seen as a coach who can get the best out of locally-based players. His focus on structured build-up play and defensive organisation will be key in South Africa's quest to make it past the group stage for just the second time in TotalEnergies CAF CHAN history. Past CHAN Performances: 2011 (Sudan): Group Stage Exit Group Stage Exit 2013 (South Africa): Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) 2016 (Rwanda): Did Not Qualify Did Not Qualify 2019 (Morocco) Did not qualify Did not qualify 2022 (Algeria): Did not qualify
CAF
03-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
COSAFA Cup 2025: The perfect tune-up for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 contenders
The COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein, South Africa is more than just a regional tournament—it's a crucial preparation platform for eight teams heading to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Southern African national teams are gearing up for another exciting edition of the COSAFA Cup, set to be hosted in Bloemfontein, South Africa between 4 – 15 June. This year's edition carries even more significance for 8 of the 14 participating nations, who will not only be aiming at lifting the regional title, but fine-tuning their squads ahead of two crucial CAF competitions set for later this year. Angola, Botswana, Comoros, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and East African invitational side, Tanzania head to the regional tournament with the aim of strategically using this competition to refine their tactics, assess squad depth, and build momentum this year's TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Of the seven COSAFA nations that have qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, only South Africa and Zambia have went on to lift to continental crown, while East African nation, Tanzania are yet to lift the coveted TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title. South Africa, drawn in Group A alongside Zimbabwe and Mozambique, will be eager to make the most of home advantage. Coach Hugo Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to an impressive podium finish in Cote d'Ivoire last year has emphasised the importance of squad rotation, and the COSAFA Cup provides the perfect setting to test different combinations. Zimbabwe, returning to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals after missing the last edition, will focus on squad cohesion and tactical discipline. Mozambique, last year's COSAFA Cup bronze medallists, will aim to sharpen their attacking play and defensive organization. Angola, Botswana, and Zambia find themselves in Group D of the COSAFA Cup, making it one of the most competitive pools that will work toward their advantage in their fine-tuning of their squads. Angola, the defending COSAFA champions, will want to ensure their defensive stability matches their offensive prowess. Botswana, eager to make a statement, will focus on improving their attacking efficiency and defensive resilience. Zambia, a former TotalEnergies CAF AFCON champion (2012), has a rich history in the competition and will look to use their experience to gain an edge. Comoros and Tanzania, drawn together in Group C, will also benefit from the COSAFA Cup experience. Comoros, a rising force in African football, will aim to strengthen their squad chemistry and tactical discipline. Tanzania's inclusion in the tournament adds an interesting dynamic, as they are preparing for both the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON and CAF African Nations Championship later in the year. Beyond individual team preparations, the COSAFA Cup serves as a platform for players to showcase their talent and stake their claim for a spot in the final AFCON squads. Coaches will have the chance to experiment with formations, test new combinations, and assess their squad's adaptability under tournament conditions. The intensity of the matches will provide a realistic preview of the challenges awaiting them in Morocco.
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Final: Morocco, South Africa to lock horns in a 1997 repeat Final
Twenty-eight years after their first TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON continental showdown in the final, Morocco and South Africa will meet once again in a repeat of the 1997 final when they clash on Sunday in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title decider Egypt. That 1997 encounter ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Morocco, sealing their first and only TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON crown. Now, nearly three decades later, the Young Atlas Lions will be aiming to recapture that historic success, while South Africa are determined to turn the tables and claim their maiden continental title at this level. Both teams punched their tickets to the final with gritty 1-0 wins in Thursday's semi-finals. South Africa saw off Nigeria thanks to a header from Michael Smith, while Morocco overcame tournament hosts Egypt, courtesy of a composed finish from Jones El Abdellaoui. Morocco have impressed with their defensive solidity and tactical cohesion, boasting a run of clean sheets in the knockout stages. Led by a confident backline and opportunistic forwards, they carry momentum and the weight of history into Sunday's clash. South Africa, meanwhile, have grown in strength as the tournament has progressed. Their victory over a highly-rated Nigerian side was a statement of intent, and coach Vela Khumalo's charges will be desperate to lift the trophy that narrowly eluded them in 1997, just a year after their seniors lifted the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on home soil. With continental glory, pride, and redemption at stake, the final is poised to deliver a captivating battle between two nations with unfinished business on the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON stage.
CAF
10-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON – Morocco vs South Africa: The Lion Cubs take on skilful Amajimbos
Having qualified without conceding a single goal, Morocco approaches their quarter-final against South Africa with both ambition and caution. In front of them stand a determined Amajimbos, ready to bring down the host nation. At home, in a buzzing El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Morocco aims to cement its status as favourites. Unbeaten, solid at the back, and creative up front, the Lion Cubs impressed in the group stage. But in the quarter-finals, against a South African side hungry for an upset, there's no room for error. "We're entering a different kind of competition', admits Morocco coach Nabil Baha. "It's now knockout football. We need to stay clear-headed and play with intensity. We respect South Africa, but we don't adapt to anyone. It's up to them to find the answers. South Africa out to overcome Morocco… Again The shadow of the senior TotalEnergies CAF AFCON looms over this clash. Back in January, South Africa knocked Morocco out. And U-17 coach Vela Khumalo hasn't forgotten: "Our senior team did it, our Banyana Banyana (women's team) did it too. Why not us? Morocco is strong, but we've studied their game closely. We want to cause an upset', said Khumalo. A Clash of Styles This quarter-final pits two footballing philosophies against each other. Morocco: structured, patient, confident in their strength. South Africa: more direct, attacking, and unpredictable with their skill up front. "We were too soft defensively in the group stage. We've corrected that. Morocco is well-organised – but so are we. We're not here to be walkovers." Physically, South Africa hope to leverage their freshness and pressing game. Morocco, on the other hand, will rely on their well-oiled patterns and dominant midfield. The Nation's Expectation Morocco is playing at home. And while that's undeniably an advantage, it also comes with added expectations. "We want to bring this trophy home for our people', insists player Daoues. But coach Baha offers a more measured view: "Yes, there's more pressure – but also more support. The crowd can lift us. It's up to us to rise to the occasion'.
