Latest news with #UNIFFAC
CAF
05-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2025™: Morocco to Face Brazil in opening match
The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025™, held on Wednesday in Rabat, set the tone for a highly anticipated edition of the tournament featuring competitive groups and a dazzling, historic opening match between the host nation and Brazil. The African flag will be flown by hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Zambia during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November. As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica The opening match, scheduled to take place in Rabat, will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level. This high-profile fixture will serve as an important benchmark for Morocco, as they gauge how far they've come in their footballing development. Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon, who will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands in a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively. Although Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition, their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground. Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism. Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold. Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It's a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality. The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group. Debut Challenge for Côte d'Ivoire Côte d'Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they'll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level. Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it's not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset. Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament. It's a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.
CAF
04-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: CAR, DR Congo seek first wins at TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON, Egypt 2025
Central African Republic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face off in a Central African derby in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Stadium on Monday (kick-off 18:00 local time / 15:00 GMT). Both teams opened their campaigns with 1-1 draws. CAR came from behind to earn a point against defending champions Senegal, with Diogene Pengazonia equalizing in the 74th minute. Meanwhile, DRC also drew 1-1 with Ghana, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Ntanda-Lukisa before conceding in the 24th minute. This match marks CAR's second meeting with a fellow UNIFFAC nation at the finals. They previously drew 0-0 with Congo in their final group game in 2023. DRC have also faced another Central African side once before, drawing 0-0 with Gabon in their tournament opener in 2013. In terms of physical performance, CAR won 32 duels against Senegal and completed five dribbles. DRC were more dominant in these areas against Ghana, winning 78 duels and completing 18 dribbles. Tonny Talasi won 14 duels – joint-most in the match – while Jules Ahoka completed 30 passes, the highest for DRC. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC FACTS · CAR's 1-1 draw with Senegal marked the first time they avoided defeat after conceding first at the finals. · Previously, they had lost both games in which they fell behind – against Uganda and South Sudan in 2023. In 2021, CAR had scored first in all three group games, recording one win, one draw, and one loss. · In both of their prior tournament appearances (2021 and 2023), CAR lost their second group game. A 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in 2021 was followed by a 2-1 defeat, and a 2-1 loss to Uganda in 2023 preceded a 1-0 loss to South Sudan. · CAR are winless in their last five matches at the finals (D2 L3). They have faced nine different nations at this level, with DRC becoming their 10th opponent. Their only win at the U20 AFCON came in 2021 – a 2-1 victory over Tunisia. · If CAR avoid defeat, it would be the first time they've gone unbeaten in their opening two games at the finals. · They scored with their only shot on target against Senegal, despite having just 33.6% possession – their second lowest on record at the finals. · Their lowest recorded possession was 31.7% in the 2021 win over Tunisia. They also had 35.8% possession in a 3-1 loss to Burkina Faso in 2021. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO FACTS · DRC remain winless at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with four draws and two losses across their appearances. · They have always opened with a draw: 2-2 in 1989, 0-0 against Gabon in 2013, and 1-1 against Ghana in 2025. · They have now conceded at least once in each of their last three games at the finals. Each of those matches came against West African opposition – Mali and Nigeria in 2013, and Ghana in this tournament. · Their final group match will be against Senegal, another West African former champion. · This match against CAR is only their third at the finals against a team from outside the West African region. · In their only other second group game in a single-tournament format, DRC lost 2-1 to Mali in 2013.
CAF
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Four-time winners Ghana face DR Congo in TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON opener
Democratic Republic of Congo will face four times champions Ghana at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Egypt 2025 when they meet in their Group C opener at the Suez Stadium on Friday (kick-off 21:00 local time / 18:00 GMT). It will be a first meeting between the side at the finals in this age-group, but DR Congo have played West African teams four times. Three of those games have been against Nigeria the other was versus Mali. DR Congo's record against West African teams reads P4 D2 L2. All seven of Ghana's previous games at the finals against Central African teams have come against Cameroon. They have won two, in the 1993 and 2009 finals. Their only loss was in the group stages against Cameroon in 1993 (D4). DR CONGO FACTS · DR Congo first featured in the tournament in 1989. · In their first appearance in 1989, they defeated Angola in the preliminary rounds of two legs, losing the first 2-1 away but won the second at home 3-1 to advance 4-3 on aggregate. They lost on away goals to Nigeria in the next stage, drawing the first leg 2-2 at home before a 0-0 away draw. · DR Congo return to the finals for the first time since 2013. Their last appearance saw them draw their opening game 0-0 against Gabon. They then lost 2-1 against Mali and 3-1 to Nigeria as they left at the group stages. · DR Congo qualified by winning the UNIFFAC competition. They began with a loss to Congo, before a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea in their second group game saw them set up a semi-final against Cameroon, who they defeated on penalties after a 1-1 draw. They then defeated Congo 2-1 in the final. · DR Congo will be looking to become the third Central African team after Cameroon in 1995 and Congo in 2007 to win the title. · They have won the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations and TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, but have never won either of CAF's age group men's tournaments. GHANA FACTS · Ghana have been winners four times before. Their last title came in 2021, but they were also champions in 1993, 1999 and 2009. They were runners up in 2001 and 2013. · Their best performance in a tournament hosted in North Africa was as runners up in Algeria in 2013. They lost in the final on penalties to Egypt. · Ghana have managed to win their last three opening games at the finals, defeating South Africa and Burkina Faso, both 2-0, in 2015 and 2019. They began the 2021 finals with a 4-0 win over Tanzania. · Ghana had failed to win their opening game in four successive finals prior to winning their last three. They drew with Morocco and Cameroon in 2003 and 2009, the games ended 0-0 and 1-1 respectively. They lost to Nigeria and Egypt, both 2-1, in 2011 and 2013. · Ghana won their opening game in five successive tournaments between 1991 and 2001. They won 1-0 against Zambia, Mauritius, Mali and Angola in 1991, 1993, 1999 and 2001. They also defeated Sudan 4-0 in that run in 1997. · In their previous participation in the finals held in Egypt, Ghana ended third in 1991. They opened with a 1-0 Group Stage win over Zambia. · In the last two tournaments they have participated in, Ghana have managed to win only two of their six group games, both of which were opening games in 2019 and 2021. In 2019, after winning their opening game against Burkina Faso, they lost their next two games to Senegal and Mali, which saw them eliminated at the group stage. · In 2021, after winning their opening game against Tanzania, they drew 0-0 against Morocco and lost to Gambia, but did progress to the quarter-finals and went on to win the tournament.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Central African Republic U20 profile: Underdogs with a point to prove in Egypt
The Central African Republic will return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a sense of unfinished business and growing confidence. After reaching the quarter-finals in 2021 and participating again in 2023, the Fauves U20 are determined to build on past experiences and surprise the continent once again. Grouped in a tough Pool C alongside reigning champions Senegal, four-time winners Ghana and an ambitious DR Congo side, the Central Africans are considered outsiders. But with a blend of resilience, emerging talent, and a fearless approach, they are preparing to defy expectations. Their route to the finals was unconventional. After finishing as semi-finalists in the 2024 UNIFFAC qualifiers, they earned their spot following the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation. Now, under the guidance of coach Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye, the CAR U20s are eager to make the most of this opportunity on African football's youth stage. Full profile is below: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC The Central African Republic will be one of the attractions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON. The Central African country, whose age-group teams are increasingly asserting themselves on the continental scene, will present themselves with the firm ambition of creating a surprise. HOW THEY QUALIFIED The Central African Republic qualified following the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation by FIFA for state interference in the country's football activities. Finalists of the UNIFFAC U-20 Tournament, which they hosted from September 24 to October 3, 2024, the U-20 Red Devils were to represent the UNIFFAC zone alongside the DRC, winner of the qualifiers. But their suspension benefits the Central Africans whom they had beaten in the semi-finals of the qualifiers. Housed in Pool A, the Fauves U-20 will play alongside Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON The Central African Republic discovered the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 during the edition held in Mauritania. It was a historic qualification since this team, coached by Sébastien Ngato, became the very first Central African team to represent the country in the finals of an Africa Cup of Nations. For a first participation, the Central African Juniors did not disappoint, as they reached the quarter-final stage. The team will qualify for a second consecutive edition in 2023 in Egypt but will not go further than the group stage. By presenting itself this year in a third consecutive edition, the country will try to build on its previous experiences to improve its results. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Bercier Eddy Jores Mbaigoto - Captain of the Central African Republic U-20 team, Bercier Eddy Jores Mbaigato (18 years old) has established himself as a key part of the team during the UNIFFAC Tournament. His goal in the 2-1 win over Gabon was one of the biggest sensations of this competition played in Brazzaville, Congo. Serge Nestor Cherubin Kondja - FC SOS striker in CAR, Serge Nestor Cherubin Kondja (19 years old) is the boss of the Central African attack. He has exceptional technical qualities and also knows how to be effective in front of goal. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Appointed head of the Central African Republic's U-20 team in July 2024, replacing Sébastien Ngato who was promoted to the senior team, Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye will have the heavy responsibility of leading the Central African Juniors to this continental event. The 42-year-old former Congolese defender (19 caps) is a former professional footballer who has negotiated most of his career in France (Grenoble, Clermont, US Orléans, FC Metz) Since his reconversion as a coach in 2014, he has officiated at the head of several clubs in France (Louhans-Cuiseaux, Villefranche Beaujolais II, Bourg Sud, Tarbes PF) but also as coach of the RCA A' team, before being entrusted with this new responsibility in July 2024. Owner of a football academy in France, Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye is a fan of the seductive game. If his style can vary depending on the opposition opposite, he nevertheless relies on a rigorous organization, to ensure balance and efficiency to his team. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS CAR will play in Group C alongside Senegal, a talented and balanced team, the title holders will be among the favourites for the first place in the group. Their talent and technical strength make them a formidable opponent. Ghana are a true powerhouse of young African football, and have a technically talented and physically imposing team. The Black Satellites will be one of the group's biggest challenges. Democratic Republic of Congo are a technically sound team with great ambition and good momentum, DR Congo could represent a real threat in the group.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo U-20 Profile: Léopardeaux return with ambition and belief
The Democratic Republic of Congo will return to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in over a decade with renewed ambition and quiet confidence. After lifting the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 Championship, the Central African nation arrives in Egypt ready to shake up Group C and push for a historic breakthrough. Led by the experienced Guy Bukasa, the Léopardeaux will make only their third appearance at the U-20 AFCON finals, having previously competed in 1989 and 2013. Both of those campaigns ended in early exits at the group stage, but this time, the mood is different. There is optimism that a new generation of technically gifted, physically resilient, and tactically disciplined players can take DR Congo into uncharted territory. Their journey to Egypt was built on unity and conviction, capped by a 2-1 win over neighbours Congo in the UNIFFAC final. With key talents such as Kevine Makoko, Ferdinand 'Semedo' Mukandila, and Messy Mubundu Manitou leading the charge, DR Congo will look to blend their traditional physical prowess with a more modern and flexible approach on the pitch. Full profile below: The Democratic Republic of Congo make a long-awaited return to the competition for the first time since 2013. The Central African nation earned their place in Egypt after triumphing at the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 tournament, showcasing their blend of physicality, technical quality, and tactical discipline. Led by experienced coach Guy Bukasa, DR Congo's youth side is eager to change their historical record at the competition and prove they belong among Africa's elite. This marks only the third time DR Congo will appear in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON finals. HOW THEY QUALIFIED DR Congo booked their ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON, Egypt 2025 by winning the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 Championship, defeating neighbours Congo 2-1 in the final. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This will be DR Congo's third appearance at the tournament, following their previous participations in 1989 and 2013. On both occasions, the Léopardeaux failed to advance past the group stage. They now return with high hopes of rewriting their history. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Kevine Makoko – A talented central midfielder from AS Vita Club, Makoko is known for his excellent passing range, vision, and control of tempo. Calm under pressure and technically sound, he is the engine of the team's midfield. Ferdinand 'Semedo' Mukandila – A pacey and hard-working right-back from Cercle Don Bosco. Mukandila offers both defensive stability and attacking thrust with his overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and intelligent movement. Messy Mubundu Manitou – A versatile midfielder plying his trade with Amiens in France's Ligue 2. Mubundu brings balance, discipline, and creativity, capable of playing both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box operator. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Guy Bukasa is a modern tactician who favours a balanced style of play built on a solid defensive base and dynamic attacking transitions. Known for his tactical discipline and man-management skills, Bukasa has instilled a collective mindset within the squad while encouraging individual creativity in the final third. Under his leadership, DR Congo has developed a compact and pragmatic playing identity, capable of adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of any opponent. Bukasa's ambition is clear—take DR Congo further than they've ever gone in this competition. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS DR Congo will compete in Group C alongside Senegal, a talented and balanced team, the holders will be among the favourites to win the group. Their talented squad and technical strength make them a major challenge. Ghana are a historical powerhouse in African youth football, Ghana is a technically gifted and physically imposing side. The Black Satellites will be one of the biggest tests in the group. Central African Republic are considered underdogs, but capable of springing surprises with their aggressive style and fighting spirit. DR Congo will aim to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in their history and pursue qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. With the right blend of structure and flair, the Léopardeaux could prove to be one of the tournament's surprise packages.
