The draw for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 was held this Thursday at the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, revealing balanced and promising groups for a competition that promises to be exciting.
This tournament, scheduled from March 30 to April 19 in host nation Morocco, will bring together 16 teams for the first time, demonstrating the growth of African youth football. The ten best finishing teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar which will take place in November.
• Group A: Morocco (host country), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
• Group B: Burkina Faso, South Africa, Egypt, UNIFFAC 1
• Group C: Senegal (title holder), Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
• Group D: Mali, Angola, Ivory Coast, UNIFFAC 2
Central Africa's UNIFFAC region (Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic) are set to battle for two spots at the finals in the regional qualifying tournament beginning February 16. It is not clear if Republic of Congo will participate following their FIFA ban.
A global opportunity for young African talents
The 2025 U-17 CAN will offer young African hopefuls a unique opportunity: to secure their ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from November 5 to 27, 2025.
For the first time, 10 African nations will have the chance to represent the continent, thanks to the expansion of the global competition to 48 teams.
The qualification method is clear: the eight teams reaching the quarter-finals will qualify directly for the World Cup. The last two tickets will be awarded following a play-off between the third-placed teams in each group.
Morocco in search of glory on its lands
Supported by its public, Morocco hopes to win at home and secure a historic place for the World Cup. With a talented team and quality technical support, the Atlas Lion Cubs dream of following in the footsteps of their elders, authors of a memorable epic during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Senegal ready to defend its title
Senegal, reigning champion after its coronation in Algeria 2023, inherits a tough Group C with Gambia, Somalia and Tunisia. With its impressive pool of young talents, Senegal intends to confirm its continental domination and ensure its qualification for the Qatari World Cup.
A growing competition
This edition marks a turning point for the U-17 CAN, which sees its size double, a sign of CAF's desire to promote young African talents. For CAF President Patrice Motsepe, this expansion “offers an unprecedented showcase for African youth football and allows it to compete at the highest global level."
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