The final draw for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Côte d’Ivoire, has set the stage for a thrilling tournament. The draw, conducted on Thursday, February 3, 2025, in Cairo, has placed African giants Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco in the same group, ensuring an exciting competition in Group B.
The draw, attended by CAF executives and legendary figures like Mali’s Adama Coulibaly and Senegal’s Souleymane Camara, revealed that Nigeria, the most successful U-20 team in African history, will face off against Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
As seven-time champions, Nigeria will have their work cut out for them in the group stage. The Flying Eagles, known for their dominant record at the U-20 level, are determined to navigate the stiff competition to secure a place in the quarterfinals and continue their quest for a World Cup ticket. A CAF official described the draw as one of the most competitive in recent years, noting the historical significance and quality of Group B.
Meanwhile, host nation Côte d’Ivoire will head Group A, where they will face DR Congo, Ghana, and Tanzania. With the support of their home crowd, the Ivorians will be aiming for a strong tournament showing. Ghana, a four-time U-20 AFCON champion and Africa’s only FIFA U-20 World Cup winner (2009), will also look to reclaim their continental dominance.
Defending champions Senegal, who won their first-ever title in 2023, will begin their title defense in Group C. They will face Zambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone in a challenging group. Senegal will be keen to secure back-to-back victories but will need to overcome tough competition from their group rivals, known for their aggressive and fast-paced play.
The tournament, scheduled to run from April 26 to May 18, 2025, will feature 13 teams competing for the continental title and four spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later in the year. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place finishers, will advance to the knockout stages.
With a host of African powerhouses and emerging teams, the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire is set to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable editions yet.
