Tunisia’s campaign in the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations has come to an early end, while the Democratic Republic of Congo have advanced to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams.
Despite a 2-0 loss to Senegal in their final Group C fixture, DR Congo progressed with four points, edging Tunisia, who managed just three points in Group B and failed to meet the threshold for qualification.
The quarter-final lineup is beginning to take shape, with five teams already securing their places in the last eight: Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, and DR Congo.
In Group C, Ghana finished as leaders after defeating the Central African Republic, finishing with seven points.
Senegal’s win over DR Congo saw the reigning champions secure second place with four points. DR Congo, although beaten, advanced as one of the best-performing third-placed sides, also on four points.
Group B proved to be the end of the road for Tunisia.
The North Africans were defeated 3-1 by Morocco on the final day, and their three-point tally was not enough to secure a third-place lifeline.
Morocco topped the group with seven points, while Nigeria followed closely with five, remaining unbeaten with a win and two draws.
In Group A, where five teams are competing instead of the usual four, the picture is less clear.
Tanzania, having suffered three losses, have already been eliminated.
The remaining four sides will battle for the three available spots in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Until those matches are completed, the identity of the final three quarter-finalists remains undecided.
As things stand, anticipation is growing for one of the most high-profile ties in the upcoming round: a clash between Senegal and Nigeria. The two powerhouses will meet on Monday at 12:00 p.m., with both teams hoping to seal a semi-final place and a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The final group fixtures in Group A will determine which teams will join the five already through.
But for Tunisia, the dream of lifting the continental trophy has ended prematurely, while DR Congo live to fight another day in a tournament that continues to produce surprises.
