The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the dates, kick-off times, and venues for the group stage and knockout fixtures of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations(AFCON). The 17th edition of the biennial competition will take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 nations competing across three venues in Cairo, Ismailia, and Suez.
The tournament will follow a three-group format, with Group A containing five teams, and Groups B and C featuring four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.
The competition kicks off on April 27 with Sierra Leone facing South Africa in Ismailia, while hosts Egypt takes on Zambia at the Cairo International Stadium. Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, will begin their campaign against Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo on May 1.
Senegal, the defending champions, will start their title defense against the Central African Republic in the opening Group C match on May 2 in Suez at 18h00. DR Congo will take on Ghana at the same venue at 21h00. The matches promise to be thrilling, with several talented teams vying for a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The 2025 U-20 AFCON is expected to showcase some of the most promising young talents in African football. With a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line, teams will be giving their all to make it to the semifinals. The competition will be held across three venues in Egypt, with Cairo hosting some of the key matches. The final will take place on May 18, 2025, and will determine the champion of the 2025 U-20 AFCON.
The tournament’s format and schedule have been carefully planned to ensure a smooth and exciting competition. With 13 nations participating, the 2025 U-20 AFCON promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.