U-20 AFCON Qualifiers Resume with Key First-Leg Clashes Across the Continent
The road to the 2015 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations resumes this weekend as national youth teams across the continent prepare for the second round of qualifiers. With Senegal already confirmed as the tournament’s host nation, a new generation of African talent is set to battle for a spot in next year’s prestigious continental competition.
The first legs of this round will take place over the weekend of May 10 and 11, with fixtures scheduled across various countries. Some of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses are in action, alongside emerging teams hoping to make a statement on the continental stage.
Among the most anticipated clashes is the West African derby between Mali and Burkina Faso, two countries known for producing technically gifted youth players. Nigeria, the seven-time U-20 African champions, will travel to face Tanzania, while Ghana, another powerhouse in youth football, meets Sierra Leone in Freetown.
Egypt and Sudan face off in a North-East African encounter, while Mozambique hosts Zambia, a country with a rich history in developing young talent. DR Congo will be in action against Malawi, and Lesotho will look to cause an upset against Angola.
The full schedule of matches is as follows:
Saturday, May 10:
Mozambique vs Zambia
Malawi vs DR Congo
Tanzania vs Nigeria
Sierra Leone vs Ghana
Burkina Faso vs Mali
Sudan vs Egypt
Lesotho vs Angola
Sunday, May 11:
Libya vs Tunisia
Ethiopia vs South Africa
Burundi vs Cameroon
Rwanda vs Gabon
Congo vs Benin
Togo vs Morocco
Liberia vs Ivory Coast
These fixtures mark a crucial phase in the qualification process, as teams vie for a place in the final tournament to be held in Senegal in 2015. The second leg of this round will be played later this month, with aggregate winners progressing to the next phase.
The Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations is a vital competition in the development pathway for young players across the continent, often serving as a stepping stone to senior national team call-ups and international club careers. Previous editions of the tournament have featured future stars such as Mohamed Salah, John Obi Mikel, and Yaya Touré.
With youth football playing an increasingly important role in national team development strategies, these qualifiers provide a crucial platform for African countries to assess their next generation of talent. The weekend’s fixtures are expected to deliver both competitive matches and a showcase of rising stars with dreams of making it to Senegal—and beyond.
