The 2025 CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off this Sunday in Morocco, but five-time world champions, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, will be notably absent. The team failed to progress through the WAFU-B regional qualifiers, missing out on a chance to compete both in the continental championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.
The tournament begins with the host nation, Morocco, facing Uganda in the opening fixture as 16 teams battle for the coveted title and a place at the expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Africa has been allocated a record 10 slots, with the eight quarter-finalists earning automatic qualification, while two additional teams will secure their spots through playoff matches between third-placed group stage finishers.
For many young talents, this tournament serves as the first step toward a long international career. In 2013, when Morocco last hosted the event, Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho was a standout performer, later carving a successful professional career. Players in the Class of 2025 will hope to follow in his footsteps.
This edition of the tournament introduces a brand-new trophy, symbolizing the theme ‘Journey Begins.’ The silverware features a road-like design integrated with a map of Africa, representing the players’ development paths and continental unity.
Host Venues and Match Schedule
Four stadiums will host the matches: El Bachir Stadium (Mohammedia), Larbi Zaouli Stadium (Casablanca), Berrechid Stadium (Casablanca), and El Abdi Stadium (El Jadida).
The tournament opener at El Bachir Stadium sees Morocco taking on Uganda at 22:00 local time. The following day, Tanzania faces Southern African champions Zambia at 14:00, followed by a Group B clash in Casablanca between 2023 bronze medalists Burkina Faso and two-time champions Cameroon at 17:00. Later, South Africa meets 1997 champions Egypt at 20:00 in a North vs. South battle.
Group C and D matches commence on April 1, with reigning champions Senegal facing The Gambia at 14:00, while Somalia, making their second appearance, takes on Tunisia at 17:00. Group D action includes a matchup between Mali and tournament debutants Angola at 17:00, followed by former champions Côte d’Ivoire against the Central African Republic at 20:00.
CAF U-17 AFCON 2025 Groups:
Group A: Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
Group B: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt
Group C: Senegal, Gambia, Somalia, Tunisia
Group D: Mali, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic
With the tournament set to showcase the next generation of African football stars, all eyes will be on Morocco as the competition unfolds.
