African Football Gems Face Off in Morocco for U-17 AFCON Title
Casablanca, Morocco – The future stars of African football will showcase their talent in the 15th Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled from March 30 to April 19 across four Moroccan cities.
Tournament Format and World Cup Stakes
The prestigious youth tournament features sixteen national teams divided into four groups, with participants competing not only for continental glory but also for ten coveted spots in the expanded 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The competition format guarantees World Cup qualification for the top two teams from each group, while the remaining two spots will be decided through play-off matches between third-placed teams.
Hosts Morocco Eye Historic Victory
As tournament hosts, Morocco’s U-17 national team enters with high expectations following their runner-up finish in the previous edition. Coach Nabil Baha has assembled a formidable squad featuring:
- Overseas-based Moroccan talents
- Domestic league standouts
- Graduates from the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy
The Atlas Cubs demonstrated their potential with strong showings in recent preparatory tournaments, including second-place finishes at both the U-17 friendly tournament in February and the North African Football Union (UNAF) competition last November.
Strong Contenders for the Title
Senegal: Defending Champions
Senegal arrives as defending champions, aiming to match Mali’s back-to-back triumphs in 2015 and 2017. Their recent victory in the West African Football Union (WAFU) tournament and the U-17 friendly tournament in Salé confirms their strong form.
Burkina Faso: Consistent Performers
Making their 11th tournament appearance, Burkina Faso brings considerable experience with a 2011 title, two runner-up finishes, and two bronze medals in their history.
Mali: Former Champions
Mali, the only team to achieve consecutive titles in 2015 and 2017, returns after finishing fourth in the last edition, eager to reclaim continental dominance.
Group Stage Breakdown
The tournament groups present intriguing matchups:
- Group A: Morocco, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
- Group B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
- Group C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
- Group D: Mali, Angola, Ivory Coast, Central African Republic
Matches will be played across four stadiums in Casablanca, Mohammedia, Berrechid, and El Jadida, showcasing Morocco’s modern football infrastructure.
This tournament not only highlights Africa’s emerging football talent but also serves as a crucial pathway to global recognition at the U-17 World Cup, with scouts from top clubs worldwide expected to monitor the competition closely.