AFCON Qualifiers archives Blog Competitions Côte d’Ivoire Countries Football Latest News Youth

Ivory Coast confirmed as unexpected participant in U20 AFCON

Supporteurs Cote DIvoire

Ivory Coast, originally excluded from participating in the upcoming Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has now been confirmed as a competitor in the 24th edition of the tournament.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had previously announced Ivory Coast as the host nation for the competition, scheduled to run from April 26 to May 25.

The list of 12 qualified teams included Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, DR Congo, Morocco, and Egypt. Notably absent from the roster, however, was the host nation.

Surprisingly, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has now revealed that its U20 team will indeed participate, sparking widespread curiosity about the circumstances surrounding this development.

This announcement coincided with the appointment of Younes Zerdouk, former coach of Comoros, as the new manager of the U20 Ivorian team.

The decision has fueled speculation about how CAF managed to integrate Ivory Coast into the tournament.

Theories range from the disqualification of an existing participant to the addition of an extra spot in the competition.

Despite the intrigue, CAF has yet to clarify the precise mechanisms behind the inclusion.

This unexpected twist mirrors previous decisions by CAF, such as when Rwanda’s qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) was placed on hold, reportedly to accommodate other nations that had withdrawn.

Such maneuvers have raised questions about the governing body’s transparency and decision-making processes.

As host nation, Ivory Coast’s participation adds another layer of excitement to the tournament.

However, the unresolved mystery surrounding their qualification leaves many eager for answers.

With the tournament just months away, further details are expected to emerge soon.

For now, the U20 Elephants and their newly appointed coach, Zerdouk, will be preparing to make an impact in a competition they were not originally slated to attend.

The Ivorian fans, eager to see their young team compete on home soil, will undoubtedly hope for a strong showing in what promises to be a memorable edition of the U20 AFCON.

Bokor Elikplim

About Author

You may also like

Aderage 300x159 1
COSAFA Countries E-Sports Football

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR: ANOTHER SCORER FOR TOTTENHAM WHO LEADS AHEAD OF SWANSEA – VIDEO

Emmanuel Adebayor continues to prove his worth on the pitch, dispelling any doubts about his exclusion under André Villas-Boas. On
Atsu 300x199 1
Blog Football Foreign Leagues Latest News

CHELSEA RECRUITS GHANAIAN CHRISTIAN ATSU THEN LOANS HIM TO VITESSE ARNHEM

The transfer of Ghanaian attacking midfielder Christian Atsu to Chelsea has been officially confirmed. Atsu signed a 5-year contract with
WP Radio
WP Radio
OFFLINE LIVE