U-20 FOOTBALL
African youth stars chase glory as U-20 AFCON kicks off in Egypt today
The Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 gets underway today, with hosts Egypt facing South Africa in the tournament’s opening match in Cairo.
The competition, which runs from 27 April to 18 May, brings together 13 nations battling for continental supremacy and four coveted places at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Egypt head Group A alongside Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania. In today’s other Group A fixture, Zambia will take on tournament debutants Sierra Leone in Ismailia.
Egypt, three-time champions and one of the most successful nations at this level, are eager to reclaim the title they last won in 2013. Coach Osama Nabih believes his young Pharaohs are ready to rise to the occasion.
“Our players are focused and have the desire to achieve an honorable result at the start of the competition. They have a high spirit that was evident in training,” Nabih said at Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
Nabih, a former Egyptian international, also warned that the margins are slim at this level. “African football is developing significantly and there is no big team and another small one. The tournament is difficult, and all levels are close together. Football only believes in giving and effort,” he stressed.
The coach revealed that his technical staff has extensively studied Egypt’s group opponents, acknowledging that every team arrives with ambition and modern tactical approaches.
“We are confident in our players,” Nabih added. “They are well aware of the challenge and determined to honour Egyptian football.”
This year’s U-20 AFCON promises a high level of competition. Record seven-time champions Nigeria headline Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia and Kenya. Defending champions Senegal open their campaign against Central African Republic in Group C, where they are joined by Ghana and DR Congo.
The tournament boasts a proud history of producing some of Africa’s biggest football stars, including Yaya Touré, Mohamed Salah, Patson Daka, and Benni McCarthy. Many more are expected to announce themselves on the big stage this year.
Beyond continental glory, the four semi-finalists will book their tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, continuing Africa’s proud tradition of producing global stars.
Egypt’s match against South Africa is expected to draw a large crowd in Cairo, with local fans eager to see the next generation of talent. Meanwhile, Zambia will look to assert their pedigree against a spirited Sierra Leone side making their tournament debut.
With history, pride, and World Cup qualification at stake, the stage is set for an unforgettable edition of Africa’s premier youth competition.
-CAF
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The Kingdom of Morocco is set to celebrate its latest football triumph as His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will this Wednesday host the national under-20 football team for a royal reception in honor of their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in Chile.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery, the King has instructed that the young Atlas Lions, who made history by becoming world champions, be accorded a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, October 22.
The statement confirmed that the royal audience will take place at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where His Majesty will personally receive the players, coaches, and officials of the victorious team in recognition of their exceptional performance and for bringing pride to the nation.
Following the royal reception, a grand popular celebration is scheduled to take place in the capital. The team will depart from the Royal Palace around 6:30 p.m., passing through Bab Essoufara and then along Avenue Mohammed V, where thousands of Moroccans are expected to line the streets to cheer the world champions.
This marks an unprecedented milestone in Moroccan football history, as the U-20 side’s global triumph has sparked nationwide jubilation and renewed optimism for the country’s growing football legacy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, whose sustained investment in youth and sports development has been widely praised.
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It is a transcontinental rivalry that is fast spreading across all competitions. From the FIFA World Cup to the football tournament of the Olympics, the King Fahd Intercontinental Cup later redesignated as Confederation Cup, the U-17 World Cup, the U-20 World Cup and friendly matches – Argentina and Nigeria are fast becoming fierce rivals.
And so, for the third time in history, Nigeria and Argentina will go head-to-head at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as they clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Flying Eagles delegation arrive in Santiago
The fixture rekindles one of youth football’s most captivating rivalries, with both nations boasting rich histories at the global stage.
Their most recent meeting came two years ago when Nigeria stunned hosts Argentina 2-0 in the Round of 16 — a result that sent shockwaves across the tournament. Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki sealed that famous win, propelling the Flying Eagles into the quarter-finals before they bowed out to the Republic of Korea after extra time.
The rivalry dates back decades. In the 2005 final in the Netherlands, Argentina triumphed 2-1 over Nigeria thanks to two penalty goals from Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi struck a memorable goal for the Flying Eagles.
Argentina remain the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with six titles, while Nigeria have reached the final twice (1989 and 2005) and claimed bronze in 1985.
Despite the Albiceleste’s pedigree, the Flying Eagles — seven-time African champions — will take to the pitch in Santiago with belief and determination, buoyed by a strong group-stage showing. Coach Aliyu Zubair’s men collected four points from their three matches, including a spirited 1-1 draw with Colombia, in which Nigeria struck the crossbar three times before captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a late penalty.
That performance, built on resilience and attacking flair, has strengthened confidence within the Nigerian camp. However, Zubair will have to make at least one change in attack as Suleman Sani is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the group stage.
The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and will hold a final training session on Tuesday ahead of their showdown with the South American giants.
With history, pride, and a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Wednesday’s clash promises another thrilling chapter in the long-running Nigeria–Argentina football rivalry.
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take to the pitch in a make-or-break Group F encounter against Colombia at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile on Sunday night in Chile, but Monday morning in Nigeria.
The game carries huge stakes for both teams. Nigeria must win to secure a top-two finish and automatic passage to the Round of 16. A draw or defeat would confine them to third place, leaving qualification dependent on results from other groups.
Colombia, on the other hand, need only a draw to confirm their place in the knockout stage after a steady start to their campaign.
The South Americans are expected to approach the match with caution, aware that avoiding defeat will be enough to advance.
Nigeria’s coach Aliyu Zubairu is expected to rally his players for one final push, knowing that victory is the only guarantee for survival in the competition. Fans back home will be watching closely in the early hours of Monday, hoping the Flying Eagles can rise to the occasion and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
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