Algeria stun Argentina as FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival begins in Baku

The first FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival has begun in Baku, Azerbaijan, with Algeria, Cameroon and Morocco among the African nations making strong starts.

Algeria defeated Argentina 1-0 after Abdelkarim Meharzi scored in the 31st minute, while Morocco opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines. Safouan Bellamine put Morocco ahead after six minutes and Said Noufii doubled their advantage in the 18th minute.

Cameroon completed a convincing win in the all-African meeting with Senegal, scoring three times without reply. Fareilromain Ngobo struck in the 17th minute, Andy Daniel Massoda added another three minutes later and Randy Ngome completed the scoring in the 32nd minute.

DR Congo endured a more difficult opening match, losing 3-2 to El Salvador despite goals from Charles Shina in the 27th minute and Elie Lobwa in the 35th.

South Africa recorded the biggest African victory of the day, beating the Maldives 8-0. Tunisia defeated Nepal 3-1, while Congo edged Tajikistan 3-2.

Guinea-Bissau were beaten 8-0 by Brazil, and Burundi lost narrowly to Portugal, going down 1-0. Malawi overcame Taiwan 3-2, with Zimbabwe also claiming a 3-2 win against Cambodia.

In another African contest, Lesotho defeated Gabon 3-2. The Central African Republic, however, were beaten 4-0 by China.

Twenty African national teams are taking part in the inaugural World Cup, made possible through the FIFA initiative.

A different kind of World Cup

The tournament, which runs from 24 to 30 October in Baku, involves 189 national teams. Of those, 78 come from federations that have never previously competed at a World Cup at any level.

Matches are played eight-a-side on smaller pitches, with two 20-minute periods. Almost 1,000 fixtures have been scheduled, including as many as 20 matches taking place at the same time.

No team is eliminated early. Following the opening group phase, the sides are divided into six divisions according to their results. Every nation continues playing until the final day, with a winner crowned in each division and the overall world champion coming from Division A.

The main aim is to provide more international matches for players aged 14 or 15.

The event also offers opportunities beyond football. For many of the young players from Africa and elsewhere, it may be their first trip abroad. During the week, they are staying together in one athletes’ village, experiencing different cultures, meeting peers from around the world and taking part in educational activities.

Not every participant will become a professional footballer, and some may never play in another international competition. But the tournament gives them the chance to visit a new country, form friendships and share an experience that could remain with them for years.

For national teams that are seldom seen on the world stage, the opportunity is a significant one.