The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has conducted the official draw for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged in Egypt.
The North African country earned a last-minute hosting right following the unexpected withdrawal of Ivory Coast. Egypt had previously expressed its interest in organizing the tournament.
Host nation, Egypt will compete in Group A alongside, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and South Africa. Group B features powerhouse, Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco.
Senegal, who are the defending champions has been paired in Group C and will compete with Central Africa Republic, DR Congo and West African giants, Ghana. The reigning champions will be aiming to defend the title they won in 2023.
The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.
The tournament is set to kick off on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and will conclude with the final on May 18, 2025.
It will showcase the best young football talents from across Africa, with teams competing not only for continental glory but also for a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
The CAF U-20 AFCON has long served as a springboard to stardom. Past editions have spotlighted players like Mohamed Salah, Andre Ayew, and Victor Osimhen, who all went on to feature at the highest levels of the global game.
With Egypt at the helm, the 2025 U-20 AFCON is expected to be one of the best editions in the tournament’s history.
