Morocco will take on Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, following the conclusion of the group stage on Friday.
Sierra Leone secured second place in Group A, finishing level on seven points with both South Africa and Egypt.
The final standings were determined by goal difference, placing South Africa at the top, Sierra Leone in second, and Egypt third.
Morocco topped Group B after collecting seven points from their three matches.
The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with back-to-back victories against Kenya and Tunisia, before earning a draw against Nigeria to close out the group stage unbeaten.
The quarter-final fixture between Morocco and Sierra Leone is scheduled for Monday at 16:00 (GMT+1), with both teams now shifting focus to the knockout phase after strong performances in the group rounds.
At the end of the decisive matchday in Group A, the standings reflected a tightly contested battle, with goal difference playing the decisive role.
South Africa emerged top, with Sierra Leone narrowly edging out Egypt for the runner-up position.
All three teams finished on identical point totals, underlining the competitiveness of the group.
Morocco, meanwhile, navigated Group B with composure and discipline, conceding only one goal in their three outings.
Their victories over Kenya and Tunisia were followed by a hard-fought draw with Nigeria, which was enough to guarantee them the top spot and avoid an early clash with another group winner.
The Moroccan squad will be aiming to carry their unbeaten momentum into the quarter-final, while Sierra Leone, who impressed with their resilience in Group A, will be eager to continue their campaign with another upset.
“The Atlas Lions finished the group stage at the top of Group B with 7 points, after two wins against Kenya and Tunisia and a draw against Nigeria,” noted an official source.
The upcoming fixture promises to be a compelling encounter, with both sides seeking to book a place in the semi-finals of the prestigious continental tournament.
All eyes will now turn to Monday’s clash as the U20 AFCON enters its decisive phase.
