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The road to continental glory and a FIFA U-20 World Cup ticket is set after the Confédération Africaine de Football conducted the Final Draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2025 on Thursday, February 3, 2025, in Cairo.
The draw, graced by CAF executives and legends such as Mali’s Adama Coulibaly and Senegal’s Souleymane Camara, produced thrilling group stage matchups, with African giants Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco placed in the same group.
This is according to a Thursday noon statement obtained from the website.
Flying Eagles Face Tough Test in Group B
Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle fellow former winners Egypt and Morocco, along with South Africa, in a highly competitive Group B.
The Flying Eagles, Africa’s most successful U-20 team, will have to navigate past stiff opposition to progress.
Reacting to the draw, a CAF official highlighted the excitement ahead: “This is one of the most competitive lineups we have seen in years. Group B, in particular, is loaded with history and quality.”
“There are no easy games at this level. We respect all our opponents, but our goal remains the same – to win and qualify for the World Cup.”
Host Nation Côte d’Ivoire Leads Group A
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire headline Group A, where they will face DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a second UNIFFAC representative. With home support behind them, the Ivorians will look to make a deep run in the tournament.
Ghana, four-time winners and Africa’s only FIFA U-20 World Cup champions (2009), will be eager to reclaim continental dominance.
Senegal Begins Title Defense in Group C
Defending champions Senegal were placed in Group C alongside Zambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. The Teranga Cubs, who lifted their maiden title in 2023, will seek back-to-back triumphs but must first overcome tricky opponents in the group stage.
A CAF technical analyst described the draw as “balanced but unpredictable,” adding that “Senegal will need to be at their best, as Zambia and Kenya are known for their fast, aggressive style of play.”
Path to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025
The tournament, scheduled from 26 April to 18 May 2025, will see 13 teams battle for the prestigious title and four tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The top two teams from each group, alongside the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
With African heavyweights, rising stars, and ambitious hosts in the mix, Côte d’Ivoire 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling editions yet.
