South Africa and Egypt will go head-to-head on Monday evening in their opening match of the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Group B encounter is set to take place at El Arbi Zaouli Stadium at 20:00 GMT, as both nations look to begin their campaigns on a strong note.
South Africa chasing history
Despite multiple appearances in the U17 AFCON, South Africa has yet to lift the trophy.
The young Bafana Bafana are making their fifth appearance in the competition, with their best result coming in 2015 when they secured a third-place finish.
A decade earlier, in 2005, they narrowly missed out on a podium finish, ending the tournament in fourth place.
Those past performances serve as motivation for the South African squad, which is determined to make a deeper run this time around.
With a competitive squad and a chance to make history, they will be aiming to set the tone with a strong performance against Egypt.
Egypt’s past glory and present challenge
Egypt, meanwhile, enters the tournament with a more decorated history.
The young Pharaohs are participating in their fourth U17 AFCON and remain one of the select few nations to have won the title.
Their triumph came in 1997 when they defeated Mali in the final to claim their first and only championship.
However, since that victory, Egypt has struggled to replicate similar success at this level.
Their best performance in the years that followed was a fourth-place finish in 2003.
Now, with fresh talent and renewed ambition, they are looking to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in African youth football.
A crucial match in a competitive group
With Burkina Faso and Cameroon also in Group B, both South Africa and Egypt recognize the importance of starting with a win.
A strong opening performance could be vital in securing progression to the knockout stages.
The stage is set for a compelling encounter as two teams with contrasting histories but shared ambitions prepare to battle for early supremacy in the group.
