The 2025 edition of Africa U-20 Cup of Nations kicked off April 27 in Egypt, and is already whipping up a lot of interest continent-wide.
But what is the tournament — and this particular edition — all about?
What is the U-20 AFCON?
Formerly known as the African Youth Championship/African U-20 Championship, this is a competition organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) biennially, featuring players 20 years old and younger.
What is at stake?
A trophy, ultimately, whose most recent recipients were Senegal, first-time winners two years ago. The next winners will be decided in the final to be contested on May 18.
There is, however, more than just silverware on offer, namely, four tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held later this year in Chile. Those slots will be secured by the quartet of teams that make it to the AFCON’s semi-finals. In 2023, Gambia (losing finalists), Nigeria (bronze medalists) and Tunisia (fourth place) joined the triumphant Senegalese in representing Africa at the global event that took place in Argentina.
What teams are in the tournament?
There are 13 teams participating, one more than at the last U-20 AFCON, making this the biggest yet.
Six of the 11 teams that have previously won the competition — Morocco, Zambia, Egypt, holders Senegal, record winners Nigeria, and four-time champions Ghana — are in contention this time, while Kenya and Sierra Leone are making their debuts. Completing the set are the Central African Republic (CAR), Tanzania and Tunisia, who all made their bows in 2021, South Africa and DR Congo. Egypt is hosting a second consecutive edition, following the withdrawal of original hosts Ivory Coast just a month to the finals.
Who are the players to watch?
For a tournament that has been graced in the past by several who went on to have hugely successful careers, including one-time Olympians Samuel Osei Kuffour and Mohamed Salah, there is never a shortage of exciting talent to look out for at the U-20 AFCON.
As is typical of age-grade tournaments, the overwhelming majority of the players are unknown quantities, especially the many still based in their homelands.
Naturally, then, starlets like Omar Khedr (Aston Villa, Egypt), Osman Kamara (Arsenal, Sierra Leone), Anis Doubal (Olympique Marseille, Tunisia), Naoufel El Hannach (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco) and Pierre Dorival (Olympique Lyon, Senegal) who are already on the books of top European clubs would catch the eye — on paper, at the very least.
They would, however, face pretty stiff competition for the limelight by the likes of forwards Kparobo Arierhi (Nigeria) and Jerry Afriyie (Ghana), who shone for their countries during the West African qualifiers, as well as Jody Ah Shene (South Africa) and Mohamed Zaalouk (Egypt) who did same in the South and North zones, respectively. If these and others do manage to replicate on a continental scale what they have already showcased at the regional tournaments, scouts and fans could be in for a real treat.
Groups & Format
There are three groups, as follows:
GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
The top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals, joined by the two best third-placed teams (to be determined after excluding the results of the team that comes fifth in Group A, adjusting for the odd-numbered line-up of sides).
How to watch
The games will be broadcast live on the following:
- CANAL+
- beIN Sport
- Time Sports
- CAF’s official YouTube channel (CAF TV)
Kick-off times
For a full list of 2025 U-20 AFCON fixtures, times and venues, click the link below:
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