The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Sunday confirmed the dates, fixtures and match venues for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (U-20 AFCON) to be held in Egypt.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are one of 13 teams vying for honours at the tournament, with the trophy and spots in the FIFA U-20 World Cup at stake.
“The 17th edition of Africa’s flagship youth tournament will run from 27 April to 18 May 2025, featuring 13 nations competing across three venues in Cairo, Ismailia, and Suez,” CAF said in a statement on Sunday.
“The opening matchday takes place on Sunday, 27 April with hosts Egypt playing Zambia at 21h00 (local time) at the Cairo International Stadium.
“Earlier that evening, Sierra Leone face South Africa at 18h00, in Group A in Ismailia.”
The Flying Eagles and Tunisia will open Group B action on May 1 at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, followed by Kenya facing Morocco at the same venue the same day.
Nigeria’s second Group B fixture is three days later against Morocco, before the seven-time champions round off the group phase against Kenya on May 7.
CAF added: “Senegal will begin their title defence against Central African Republic in the opening Group C match on 2 May in Suez at 18h00 before DR Congo take on Ghana at the same venue at 21h00.
“The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 will follow a three-group format. Group A contains five teams, while Groups B and C feature four teams each.
“The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals, with the tournament concluding on 18 May 2025.
“The four semi-finalists will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, continuing the continent’s proud tradition of global excellence in youth football.”
U-20 AFCON GROUPS
Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
