African quartet complete U-20 World Cup line-up for Chile 2025
Africa's final four has been confirmed – and with it, the full cast for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile is now complete.
Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa booked their tickets to the global showpiece after reaching the semi-finals of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Their progress seals the continent's allocated four slots, completing the 24-team line-up for the tournament to be staged from 27 September to 19 October in Chile.
Each of Africa's qualifiers earned their place through grit, drama, and high-stakes football in one of the continent's most competitive youth tournaments in recent memory.
Africa Steps Forward
Hosts Egypt edged Ghana in a tense quarter-final that ended 2-2 after extra time before the Pharaohs triumphed 5-4 on penalties in Suez.
Nigeria, record U-20 AFCON champions, knocked out defending title holders Senegal in another shootout, also by a 5-4 scoreline.
Morocco needed an extra-time own goal to see off tournament debutants Sierra Leone 1-0, while South Africa squeezed past DR Congo by the same margin thanks to Thabang Mahlangu's decisive goal in Cairo.
Their progression ensures that Africa will be strongly represented in Chile with a blend of traditional powerhouses and resurging contenders.
Tournament Format
The tournament will feature six groups of four teams. The top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, will move on to the Round of 16. From there, it's a straight knockout path to the final.
This year marks the 24th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup – a tournament that has launched the careers of global superstars.
The inclusion of these four African sides, each with their own ambitions and unique styles, adds flavour to what promises to be an unforgettable tournament in Chile.
Final Field Set for Chile 2025
The full list of teams qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup is now known, featuring powerhouses from every continent and highlighting the global reach of youth football development. Africa (CAF): Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa
Europe (UEFA): Italy, France, Ukraine, Spain, Norway
Asia (AFC): Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Australia
North America (Concacaf): USA, Mexico, Cuba, Panama
South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Chile (hosts)
Oceania (OFC): New Zealand, New Caledonia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
6 hours ago
- CAF
Morocco v Angola: Atlas Lions launch third title quest against resurgent Palancas Negras
Morocco will kick off their quest for a third title at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a high-stakes Group A fixture against Angola on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. The North African giants are aiming for an unprecedented third CHAN title, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020. They enter this tournament with a strong pedigree and a squad driven by ambition, despite facing pre-tournament challenges. Head coach Tarik Sektioui has emphasized the importance of beginning the campaign with a win, noting that a positive start would instill belief and momentum in a competition where consistency often determines eventual champions. "For us, it is very important to approach the first match with a victory that will allow the players to gain in terms of confidence and positive state of mind," Sektioui told the media on the eve of the match. "We are determined to win this match and have prepared well for it." Sektioui's message was echoed by team captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, who said that the players understand the weight of expectation and are fully focused on delivering results. "The national team is determined to win the trophy and the players are aware of the responsibility they have," Hrimat stated. "We have enough experience in African competitions to make a difference. Our main objective is to get through the group stage and ultimately win the title." Morocco's success in previous CHAN tournaments has made them one of the most feared sides in the competition. They have gone 13 matches unbeaten at CHAN, winning 11 and drawing 2. Their last defeat came in 2014 against Côte d'Ivoire. Their previous opening matches include emphatic victories such as a 4-0 demolition of Mauritania in 2018 and a narrow 1-0 win over Togo in 2020. This will be Morocco's fifth appearance at the CHAN finals. They are the only team to have successfully defended the title and remain unbeaten in opening matches. However, Angola presents a significant challenge. The Palancas Negras are themselves veterans of the competition, with this being their fifth appearance. Their best finish came in 2011 when they finished runners-up. Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves, who has led the national team since 2019, expressed confidence in his side's ability to challenge the favourites. "We're not thinking beyond the Morocco match. They are strong, they want to win — but so do we. And I'm confident their hunger won't exceed ours," Gonçalves stated. Angola's recent record in continental competition has shown steady progress. Under Gonçalves, the team enjoyed its best-ever Africa Cup of Nations campaign and were crowned COSAFA champions. The coach believes this success reflects the growth of Angolan football. "2024 was a very good year for us. Not only did we win COSAFA, but we had our best-ever AFCON. What made it even more special was how we united the nation behind the team," he added. But CHAN preparations were not without difficulty. Under the competition's eligibility rules, only players competing in domestic leagues can participate. This led to the loss of five players who secured moves abroad during Angola's training camp. "Since we began preparations, five players have moved abroad. That's something we never used to see," Gonçalves said. "It shows how Angolan players are being valued more. Technically, they've always been gifted, but now they're developing holistically." Sunday's encounter in Nairobi will be the first-ever CHAN meeting between Morocco and Angola. However, Morocco holds an advantage in experience against Southern African opponents, having won previous CHAN matches against Namibia and Zambia, and drawn against Zimbabwe. Angola's record in opening matches has been less impressive. They are winless in four opening fixtures, with three draws and a single loss. Their last win at the CHAN came in 2018, a 1-0 victory over Cameroon. Since then, they have gone four matches without a win. Despite this, Angola have proven to be difficult opponents. They have drawn eight times in their CHAN history, including memorable high-scoring affairs like the 3-3 draw against Mali in 2022. Both teams qualified for CHAN 2024 with commanding performances. Morocco topped their qualification group, while Angola defeated Lesotho 2-1 on aggregate, winning 2-0 away in the first leg before a narrow 1-0 defeat at home. Sektioui highlighted the resilience of his players, praising their tactical maturity and determination amid setbacks during the pre-tournament phase. "We started with native players born from 2000 onwards, but the departure of 11 players to new clubs and the injuries of two others affected our preparations," he explained. "The players retained in the final list have shown technical and tactical maturity that we will use to make good progress during this championship." He also welcomed the late additions of veteran players, whose presence he believes will be invaluable. "I am very pleased with the addition of the veterans who joined us late, but whose quality was crucial and facilitated their quick integration with the players," said the former international. CHAN 2024 is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — the first time the competition is being staged across three nations. Morocco will play their Group A fixtures in Nairobi, starting with the clash against Angola, followed by matches against Kenya, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gonçalves believes the opening match against Morocco is the ideal litmus test for his team. "This is our chance to test ourselves against one of the best. We've worked hard for this," he said. "Psychologically, we are preparing to play the best — and that's what tomorrow is about." Morocco's ambition is clear — to win the title and reinforce their status as a powerhouse of local football on the continent. Angola, meanwhile, will look to build on their upward trajectory and pull off a statement result against the defending champions. As the players take to the pitch in Nairobi, fans across Africa will be watching closely — not only to see who starts strong, but to gauge which of these two seasoned CHAN participants can turn potential into glory.
CAF
11 hours ago
- CAF
CAF announces Technical Study Group for TotalEnergies CAF CHAN, PAMOJA 2024
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially announced its panel of experts for the Technical Study Group (TSG) that will analyze the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), PAMOJA 2024, being staged across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The carefully selected group of technical experts will play a vital role in assessing tactical trends, emerging talent, and coaching developments during the month-long competition. The TSG is made up of respected coaches, former players, and instructors with a proven track record in African football and beyond. Among the standout members of the TSG is Senegal's Pape Bouna Thiaw, who led his country to CHAN glory in the previous edition held in Algeria. His Senegal side edged hosts Algeria in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final, with Thiaw later crowned Best Coach of the Tournament. Aged 44, Thiaw is widely regarded as one of Africa's most promising modern coaches. A former striker, he has transitioned seamlessly into the dugout with a philosophy rooted in dynamic attacking football and tactical discipline. As a member of FIFA's Technical Study Group, he also brought his expertise to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia in 2022. Appointed as Senegal's head coach in December 2024, Thiaw now returns to CHAN as part of the CAF TSG, providing expert insights into a tournament he conquered just a year ago. Joining Thiaw are other esteemed figures from across the continent: Mark Fish , a CAF AFCON 1996 winner with South Africa and former Lazio and Bolton Wanderers defender, he brings a wealth of international experience and a strong focus on player psychology, leadership, and youth development. , a CAF AFCON 1996 winner with South Africa and former Lazio and Bolton Wanderers defender, he brings a wealth of international experience and a strong focus on player psychology, leadership, and youth development. João Cláudio De Almeida "Miller" Gomes , a seasoned Angolan coach with experience leading youth and senior national teams, is known for combining tactical precision with a deep understanding of the African football ecosystem. a seasoned Angolan coach with experience leading youth and senior national teams, is known for combining tactical precision with a deep understanding of the African football ecosystem. Kamel Kolsi , former Tunisian international and U-20 coach, brings sharp tactical acumen and a track record of spotting and nurturing emerging talent in North Africa. former Tunisian international and U-20 coach, brings sharp tactical acumen and a track record of spotting and nurturing emerging talent in North Africa. Walter Steenbok , former Technical Director of the South African Football Association, is a seasoned strategist known for his analytical depth and development credentials. , former Technical Director of the South African Football Association, is a seasoned strategist known for his analytical depth and development credentials. Mohamed Magassouba , former head coach of Mali and DR Congo, contributes more than 30 years of coaching experience at the highest level. Other members of the TSG include respected coaches, instructors, and analysts from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and the Tanzania, all selected for their insight into the technical evolution of the African game. The TSG's role will include producing in-depth reports on tactical trends, player performances, and coaching methodologies observed during the tournament. Their findings will be shared with the broader footballing community through ensuring the legacy of CHAN extends beyond the final whistle. With the support of advanced stats and video analysis, the group will offer timely insights to the media and technical departments across Africa, enriching the understanding of modern football on the continent. CAF Technical Study Group – CHAN PAMOJA 2024 KASARANI (Kenya) Mohamed Magassouba (Mali) Kamel Kolsi (Tunisia) NYAYO (Kenya) Walter Steenbok (South Africa) Murad Abdulkadir Mahamoud (UK) KAMPALA (Uganda) Oscar Rabson Mirambo (Tanzania) Abraham Mebratu Gebreslassie (Ethiopia) BENJAMIN MKAPA (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) Pape Bouna Thiaw (Senegal) Michael Amenga Okoth (Kenya) AMAAN STADIUM (Zanzibar) João Cláudio De Almeida Gomes (Angola) Mark Fish (South Africa) To view the fixtures and the groups, CLICK HERE. For more information on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), PAMOJA 2024, visit . Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Kenya open TotalEnergies CAF CHAN campaign against DR Congo in Nairobi
Published: Saturday, 02 August 2025 Kenya will make their long-awaited debut at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) when they face two-time champions DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August in Nairobi. This Group B clash marks the first-ever CHAN meeting between the two nations and promises to be a historic occasion for the hosts. DR Congo will be up against East African opposition for the fourth time in the competition's history, having previously defeated Burundi and Rwanda 2-1 in 2014 and 2016 respectively, and drawn 0-0 with Uganda in 2022—all in the group stages. They have also faced host nations twice in the knockout rounds, beating Rwanda 2-1 in the 2016 quarterfinals before losing 2-1 to Cameroon in the same stage in 2018. Kenya – Key Facts: · Making their CHAN tournament debut; one of two debutants in 2024 alongside the Central African Republic. · Become the 33rd different nation to feature at the CHAN finals. · Head coach Benni McCarthy, a former South African international, famously scored both goals for Bafana Bafana in a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the 1998 AFCON semi-finals. · Will aim to become only the second host nation to win the CHAN title on home soil, following Morocco's success in 2018. DR Congo – Key Facts: · Making their seventh appearance at CHAN—the most of any team in the tournament's history. · Took part in the first four editions (2009–2016), missed 2018, but returned for the last two tournaments (2020, 2022). · Won the inaugural CHAN title in 2009 (defeated Ghana in the final) and lifted a second crown in 2016 (beat Mali in the final). · Advanced beyond the group stage five times; their only group stage exit came in 2022. · Opening game record: W4 D1 L1. o Wins: 2-0 vs Libya (2009), 1-0 vs Mauritania (2014), 3-0 vs Ethiopia (2016), 1-0 vs Congo (2020). o Loss: 2-0 vs Cameroon (2011). o Draw: 0-0 vs Uganda (2022). · Have kept a clean sheet in five of their six CHAN openers, conceding only in 2011. · Failed to win a match at the 2022 finals (D2 L1), their first winless tournament. · Failed to score a single goal in 2022, drawing 0-0 with Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire before losing 3-0 to Senegal. · Enter the 2024 tournament on a four-match winless run (D2 L2), including their 2020 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon and all three matches at the 2022 edition.
