Senegal’s under-20 national football team will compete in Group C of the 2025 Union of West African Football Federations (UFOA) Tournament, following the official group stage draw announced on Friday.
The draw places Senegal in a competitive group alongside Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Benin. The tournament, which features youth teams from across West Africa, is scheduled to take place in Ghana from 15 to 30 June 2025.
Twelve national U20 teams from UFOA Zones A and B will participate in this regional championship, providing a platform for emerging talent across West Africa to showcase their abilities on an international stage. The draw divided the teams into three groups of four.
Host nation Ghana was drawn into Group A, where they will be joined by Togo, Gambia, and Liberia. Group B will feature Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while Group C brings together Senegal, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin.
The grouping ensures a challenging path for all teams, particularly in Group C, where several nations have a strong history in youth football. Senegal, often regarded as one of the powerhouses in African youth development, will aim to assert their dominance in a group filled with teams capable of springing surprises.
Sierra Leone and Benin have shown increasing promise in recent youth tournaments, while Ivory Coast’s consistent production of young talent makes them a formidable opponent in the group.
Ghana, the host country and former champions at youth level, will look to make the most of home advantage in Group A, which also includes competitive sides such as Togo and Gambia, both of whom have demonstrated strength in previous editions of regional tournaments. Liberia rounds out the group with ambitions of making a deep run.
Group B promises to be equally competitive, with Nigeria and Mali entering the tournament as traditional favorites. Burkina Faso, known for its disciplined and physical style of play, will also be a side to watch, while Niger will hope to capitalize on any opportunities to cause upsets.
The UFOA U20 competition not only offers regional bragging rights but also serves as an important proving ground for players looking to break into their senior national teams. The 2025 edition in Ghana is expected to attract significant attention from scouts and football associations keen on identifying rising stars across the continent.
With the group stage now set, attention turns to the preparations by each participating nation. Coaches will be finalizing their squads and tactical plans ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive and entertaining tournament.
As Senegal prepares to take on Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Benin in Group C, their progress will be closely followed, especially given their strong track record in youth competitions. Meanwhile, the broader tournament promises a celebration of young talent and the continued growth of football within West Africa.
