Ivory Coast under-20 head coach Younès Zerdouk has unveiled his 20-player squad for the upcoming UFOA B U20 Championship, which is set to take place in Ghana from 10 to 23 July 2025.
The announcement marks the start of a crucial campaign for the Junior Elephants, who are widely regarded as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
With expectations running high, Zerdouk has called up a well-balanced group of players aimed at securing regional dominance.
Côte d’Ivoire will compete in Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Niger, and Togo. The draw presents a mix of familiar West African rivals, each bringing their own unique style and intensity.
The Ivorians, however, enter the group stage as firm favourites, with many observers backing them to top the group and make a deep run into the knockout stages.
Preparation has been intense in the lead-up to the tournament. Under Zerdouk’s guidance, the team has focused on tactical discipline, physical conditioning, and team cohesion—factors the coach believes will be critical to success in what promises to be a fiercely contested competition.
Training sessions have been held in both local and international camps, where players have had the opportunity to adapt to high-pressure scenarios and fine-tune their match fitness.
“We are going into this competition with confidence but also with humility,” said Zerdouk during the squad announcement. “The group is motivated, focused, and aware of what’s at stake. We’re not underestimating any opponent, but our ambition is clear—we’re here to win.”
The selected squad includes a mix of emerging talents and promising regulars from domestic clubs and youth academies. Though individual names were not made public at the time of the release, team officials indicated that the final list had been carefully chosen based on form, fitness, and tactical fit.
The coaching staff has emphasised collective performance over individual brilliance, a philosophy that has shaped Zerdouk’s tenure since his appointment.
The UFOA B tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, holds added significance for participating teams. For Ivory Coast, success in Ghana could also signal a return to continental prominence at youth level.
The nation has long been a powerhouse in African football, and the U20 setup is seen as a key pipeline for future stars of the senior national team.
In past editions, Côte d’Ivoire has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but has fallen short of the title. This time, with a renewed sense of purpose and an experienced technical bench, the team is determined to rewrite the script.
Ivory Coast will open their Group B campaign against Niger, followed by clashes with Burkina Faso and Togo. All matches are scheduled to take place in selected venues across Ghana, which is hosting the competition for the third time.
With regional pride and qualification at stake, the Junior Elephants are preparing to charge forward with determination. Zerdouk and his squad know that only a united and focused effort will suffice if they are to live up to expectations and return home with the trophy.
