Senegal 2015 U20 Africa Cup of Nations Finalists Confirmed
The line-up for the 2015 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been completed following the decisive second-leg matches of the final qualifying round this weekend. Six teams joined hosts Senegal and pre-qualified Nigeria to secure their places in the highly anticipated tournament, set to take place from March 8 to 22, 2015.
Nigeria’s U20 team, the Super Eaglets, progressed automatically after Lesotho withdrew from the competition. Meanwhile, other countries battled fiercely to earn their spot in the prestigious youth tournament.
Ghana was among the standout performers this weekend. After a goalless draw at home against Gabon in the first leg, the Black Satellites traveled to Libreville and delivered a commanding 4-1 victory, sealing their place at Senegal 2015.
Zambia continued their steady form with a narrow 1-0 home win against Malawi, following their first-leg advantage to qualify with a 2-1 aggregate score.
Ivory Coast staged a strong comeback in Abidjan, overturning a first-leg 1-2 deficit against Libya with a convincing 3-1 win. The Elephants’ display ensured their progression to the finals, adding their name to the growing list of qualifiers.
South Africa also secured qualification on home soil with a 2-1 victory over Cameroon, having drawn 1-1 in the first leg. The home advantage proved decisive for the Young Bafana.
In contrast, Togo’s 1-0 win over Mali in Lomé was insufficient to overturn their 0-2 first-leg deficit. The Junior Hawks were eliminated despite the spirited performance, as Mali progressed to the final tournament.
Egypt experienced a similar fate. Although the young Pharaohs won 2-1 against Congo in Alexandria, they could not overcome their 0-2 loss in the first leg and failed to qualify.
The final list of qualifiers, alongside hosts Senegal and Nigeria, now sets the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. The U20 AFCON not only crowns Africa’s best youth team but also serves as the continental qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning the right to represent Africa in New Zealand later next year.
Summary of Results (Second Leg and Aggregate Scores):
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Zambia 1-0 Malawi (2-1 aggregate)
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Nigeria advanced (Lesotho withdrew)
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Gabon 1-4 Ghana (4-1 aggregate)
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South Africa 2-1 Cameroon (3-2 aggregate)
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Togo 1-0 Mali (1-2 aggregate) — Mali qualified
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Egypt 2-1 Congo (2-3 aggregate) — Congo qualified
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Ivory Coast 3-1 Libya (4-3 aggregate)
As preparations begin for the March tournament in Senegal, teams and fans alike eagerly await the clash of Africa’s brightest young talents vying for continental glory and a place on the world stage.
