The 2019 U17 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this Sunday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, running until April 28. Eight national teams will compete not only for the continental trophy but also for four coveted qualification spots for the FIFA U17 World Cup, making this tournament a key showcase of Africa’s next generation of football talent.
As is often the case in youth competitions, Nigeria enters as the team to beat. The Golden Eaglets, having secured victory in the WAFU B qualifying tournament, are expected to deliver strong performances under the guidance of coach Manu Garba. With a well-structured squad and a tradition of excellence at youth level, Nigeria aims to continue its dominance in the category.
Senegal, fresh off the success of their U20 team, who were runners-up at the African Championships in Niamey, will be looking to emulate that achievement. The “Cadets” bring energy, ambition, and skill to the tournament, and it will be up to coach Malick Daf to channel that enthusiasm into consistent performances on the pitch. Senegal’s young stars are eager to make their mark and prove themselves as serious contenders for the title.
The host nation, Tanzania, also has reason for optimism. The Serengeti Stars are one of East Africa’s most prominent footballing nations, having qualified for the senior Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Football passion runs deep among Tanzanian supporters, and as hosts, the team will be aiming to replicate the strong form they have shown in recent weeks. Playing in front of home fans, Tanzania hopes to use the familiar surroundings to its advantage.
Guinea, meanwhile, enters the competition with renewed confidence after pulling off a major upset in the qualifying rounds by eliminating two-time defending champions Mali. The Syli Cadet team will now be tasked with proving that their qualifying heroics were no fluke, and they will aim to carry that momentum into the main tournament.
The competition also features strong squads from Cameroon and Morocco, representing North Africa. Morocco’s U17 team is led by Jamal Sellami, fresh off his CHAN 2018 success, bringing experience and tactical acumen to guide the young players. Both teams will be looking to challenge for top honors and secure World Cup qualification.
Rounding out the field are Uganda and Angola, teams capable of surprising opponents and disrupting expectations. Often labeled as “dark horses,” both nations have the potential to make significant impacts and are likely to be formidable opponents for more established sides.
The tournament is organized into two groups:
Group A: Tanzania, Nigeria, Angola, Uganda
Group B: Guinea, Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal
As the U17 Africa Cup of Nations begins, fans across the continent will be watching closely to see which young talents emerge. With a blend of established powerhouses and ambitious underdogs, the competition promises exciting matches, skillful play, and plenty of surprises. The stage is set for Africa’s next generation to shine, and the fight for both the continental crown and World Cup qualification is ready to begin.
