The path to continental dominance and a coveted spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup has been charted following the Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Côte d’Ivoire 2025. This pivotal event took place on February 3, 2025, in Cairo, marking the beginning of an exciting tournament.
The draw featured representatives from the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and produced engaging group stage matchups, with African football powerhouses Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco placed in the same fiercely competitive group.
Nigeria Faces Challenging Group B
Seven-time champions Nigeria find themselves in a tough Group B, slugging it out with fellow former winners Egypt and Morocco, alongside South Africa. The Flying Eagles, recognized as Africa’s most successful U-20 team, will encounter significant challenges to progress through this group.
A CAF official expressed enthusiasm about the draw and its potential outcomes, stating, “This is one of the most competitive lineups we have seen in years. Group B is particularly rich in history and quality.” The official emphasized the intensity of competition, underlining a firm focus on winning to secure World Cup qualification.
Côte d’Ivoire Leads Group A
As hosts, Côte d’Ivoire occupies a prominent position in Group A, where they will compete against DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and another UNIFFAC representative. With robust home support, the Ivorians aim for a strong tournament showing. Ghana, a four-time champion and the only African nation to have won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, seeks to reclaim its former glory.
Senegal Defends Title in Group C
Defending champions Senegal have been positioned in Group C alongside Zambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. The Teranga Cubs, who celebrated their first title in 2023, aim for consecutive victories but will face tough competition during the group stage. A CAF technical analyst labeled the draw as "balanced but unpredictable," noting that Senegal needs to perform at their peak against the fast-paced and aggressive styles of Zambia and Kenya.
Route to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025
Scheduled from April 26 to May 18, 2025, the tournament will see 13 teams vying for the esteemed title and four slots available for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
With a mix of established teams, emerging talents, and determined hosts, Côte d’Ivoire 2025 is set to be one of the most thrilling editions of the tournament to date.
