FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2025™: Morocco to Face Brazil in opening match
The African flag will be flown by hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Zambia during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November.
As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica
The opening match, scheduled to take place in Rabat, will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level. This high-profile fixture will serve as an important benchmark for Morocco, as they gauge how far they've come in their footballing development.
Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B
Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon, who will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands in a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively.
Although Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition, their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground. Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism.
Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy
As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold. Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It's a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality.
The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group.
Debut Challenge for Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they'll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level.
Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it's not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset.
Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F
In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament.
It's a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
15 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Girelli claims Italy's 'time has come' ahead of England Euros showdown - World
Cristiana Girelli is having the best tournament of her life at the age of 35, with the Italy striker now preparing to lead the line for the Azzurre in their semi-final with England at Women's Euro 2025. Her two goals, including a last-gasp winner, sent Italy past Norway and through to the last four of a Euros for the first time since 1997, with the Lionesses up next in Geneva on Tuesday. And the veteran of 122 caps, whose three goals at the Euros have taken her international tally to 61, says Italy's performances in Switzerland show they are capable of competing with the best. Girelli told AFP on Saturday this would be her last Euros, but added she was undecided whether to hang around for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Nonetheless, the veteran shared she is relishing in Italy's run to the semis. "Obviously they (the goals) were important because they won us the match, but I don't really like talking about my own performances, I really believe that we all put in a really good display," said Girelli, speaking to AFP at Italy's training camp near Lucerne. "Before the match we all said that the time had come to not just win but also to show what we've been capable of doing in the last two-and-a-half years, which we didn't really do in our early matches at the Euros. "I'm really pleased that beyond the result there was a proper performance against a team which, let's not forget, is really good." Italy qualified from tough Group B behind world champions Spain after coming into the tournament as potential dark horses, and Girelli is convinced that she and her teammates can give England a bloody nose. "They're the reigning champions and we have a great respect for them because they've got players who can change the game when they want to," Girelli said. "But we've got this far and we want to keep believing, we don't want to stop here, we don't want to settle for what we already have... we have to believe." 'Courage' Italy rose to prominence after years in the doldrums at the 2019 World Cup when, led by now-retired icon Sara Gama, the Azzurre reached the quarter-finals. "We have a lot of faith that we can get a result against any team," said Girelli. "He (Soncin) always tells us to play with courage and to play football because we have the quality to do so, and both the results and performances at the moment show that." Development of women's football in Italy has lagged behind traditional rivals in the men's game England, Spain, Germany and France, but Girelli is hoping their results this summer can lead to renewed interest. Women's Serie A turned professional in 2022 and no Italian team has ever gone any further than the quarter-finals in the modern Champions League. During the 2023/24 season, clubs in Italy's 10-team top division averaged over a million euros ($1.2 million) turnover, a 48 percent increase on the previous campaign, while interest has increased from television viewers with the championship broadcast on streaming service DAZN. "We're a bit behind because since the 2019 World Cup the results haven't come and as a result what we created after the World Cup wasn't built on," said Girelli. "I hope now that with these results we can really do more because what we're seeing in Switzerland is, maybe not unexpected, but something that makes me very proud. "To see full stadiums, passionate fans and this brilliant atmosphere that we can all feel makes me realise that if you can do something you can also repeat it. So, I hope that is just the beginning of something good and that it can also happen in Italy." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CAF
18 hours ago
- CAF
Two Weeks To Go: East Africa Primed for Historic TotalEneriges CHAN 2024
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania enter final stretch to host historic TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 finals Final Countdown in full motion in East Africa Tournament to be staged between 02 – 30 August 2025 With just two weeks remaining until kick-off, the countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is reaching fever pitch, as host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania enter the final stages of readiness for Africa's premier national competition for locally-based players. This year's eighth edition will be remembered as a watershed moment in African football history—the first time three countries will co-host a CAF competition of this scale. Each host nation will play a distinct and integral role in delivering a world-class football spectacle that showcases the best of Africa's domestic talent. The tournament, running from 2–30 August 2025, will unite East Africa through football, delivering a vibrant showcase of local talent, passionate supporters, and pan-African unity. The opening match will ignite the tournament at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. From there, the journey will wind through Kampala, Uganda for the third-place playoff, and climax in Nairobi, Kenya, where the final match will crown the new champions of Africa's most celebrated home-based competition. As excitement builds across the region, CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba reiterated the Confederation's pride and confidence ahead of kick-off: 'We are now just two weeks away from writing a new chapter in African football. The TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 is more than a tournament—it's a powerful statement of African excellence, unity, and belief in local talent. East Africa is ready to welcome the continent.' The final draw has already been conducted, with 19 teams, including defending champions Senegal, now placed in their respective groups. Every match promises to deliver drama, national pride, and a platform for emerging stars to shine. With the final phase of preparations underway, CAF and the Local Organising Committees are working around the clock to finalise logistics, fine-tune stadiums, and roll out fan engagement campaigns across the host cities. The ticket sales and other competition marketing initiatives are expected to be unveiled shortly, bringing fans closer to the action. East Africa's moment on the continental stage is near. The energy, anticipation, and unity surrounding the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 signal not only a festival of football—but a historic celebration of African resilience, identity, and homegrown brilliance. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, visit -ENDS- Further Enquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
Al-Ahram Weekly
19 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Mo Salah reflects on career highlights, icons in Ballon d'Or interview - Talents Abroad
Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah offered rare insight into his footballing inspirations and career milestones during a rapid-fire interview published Friday by the official Ballon d'Or X account. In the light-hearted exchange, Salah was asked to name the greatest African player in history. With a laugh, he replied, 'Me,' before adding, 'There are so many. I would say George Weah also. Didier [Drogba], Eto'o, and George Weah.' Now 32, Salah has been a talismanic figure at Liverpool since joining from AS Roma in 2017. Widely considered one of the Premier League's all-time greats, he has scored over 245 goals and provided 113 assists in 401 appearances for the Reds. Is Mohamed Salah the greatest African player in history? 👑 We challenged the Egypt and Liverpool star with rapid questions — no time to think, just speak. ⚡ Stay until the end — a few of his answers might surprise you.#ballondor #salah #rapidquestions — Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) July 18, 2025 His silverware haul with the club includes two Premier League titles (2019–20, 2024–25), the UEFA Champions League (2018–19), the FA Cup, the League Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Salah is also the Premier League's all-time highest-scoring African player, having surpassed Drogba's record of 104 goals. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot four times (2017–18, 2018–19, 2021–22, 2024–25) and was recently named Premier League Player of the Season for a second time, becoming only the fifth player to earn the honour more than once. Asked which player he most enjoyed playing with, Salah said: 'I didn't play with him in my peak, but I would say [Eden] Hazard.' As for players he wished he had played alongside, he named Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry. His favourite coach? Luciano Spalletti, his former manager at Roma. When asked about his favourite goal, Salah struggled to choose: 'Man City home… or Man City also Champions League.' Despite a career of dizzying highs, Salah insisted he has no regrets: 'Oh, biggest regret? No, I don't have one. It is what it is. You take it and you learn.' Asked to name the toughest defender he had faced, Salah said: 'There are too many. I can't name one. Even Ramos? He's a very good player. But there are too many.' As for the trophy that meant the most to him, he didn't hesitate: the Champions League. Salah's reflections — at once candid and humble — reaffirm his legacy not just as one of Africa's greatest footballers, but as a global icon whose passion for the game continues to inspire. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
