The stage is set for Africa’s rising stars as the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) revealed the groups for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
The official draw, held on Sunday, April 13, at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo, offered an enticing preview of what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
Set to run from April 27 to May 18, 2025, the competition will feature 13 nations vying for not only continental glory but also four coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.
Group Stage Highlights
Group A sees hosts Egypt, a three-time champion, squaring off against Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania in a five-team pool that looks set for dramatic twists.
Group B boasts a clash of heavyweights, with seven-time champions Nigeria taking on Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco in what’s expected to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
In Group C, defending champions Senegal face off with Central African Republic, DR Congo, and Ghana — the latter hoping to reclaim the crown they last held in 2009, the same year they famously won the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The tournament adopts a three-group format, with Group A featuring five teams, while Groups B and C contain four teams each. The top two sides from each group, plus the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
Road to Chile
Beyond the continental trophy, teams are eyeing a bigger prize: a place on the global stage. The four semi-finalists will book tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile, continuing Africa’s tradition of strong showings on the world stage.
With star-studded matchups and high stakes, the draw has laid the groundwork for a thrilling edition of one of Africa’s premier youth competitions.
CAF U-20 AFCON 2025 draw is out: Egypt hosts, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana headline tight groups. Top 4 to qualify for FIFA U-20 WC.