The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the intricate details surrounding the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. This highly anticipated tournament, marking the 15th edition of the continental youth showcase, will bring together 16 nations vying for the coveted title and World Cup qualification spots. The tournament is slated to unfold from March 30th to April 19th, 2025, across four strategically selected stadiums in Morocco. These venues include the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium and the Berrechid Stadium, both located in Casablanca, and the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, ensuring a geographically diverse and accessible tournament experience for fans and participants alike.
The opening day of the tournament, Saturday, March 30th, promises a captivating start at the El Bachir Stadium, as host nation Morocco takes on the East African champions, Uganda. This inaugural match sets the stage for a series of exciting group stage encounters. The following day, Sunday, March 31st, will feature two more Group A matches. Tanzania will square off against Southern African champions Zambia, completing the first round of fixtures for their group. Later in the day, the action shifts to Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium, where Group B’s opening matches will unfold. Burkina Faso, the bronze medalists from the previous edition, will face two-time champions Cameroon in a highly anticipated clash. Closing out the day’s fixtures at the same venue, 2015 runners-up South Africa will battle against the 1997 champions, Egypt, in an intriguing North versus South showdown.
The tournament continues on Tuesday, April 1st, with the remaining two groups commencing their campaigns. Group C’s opening fixtures will take place at the El Abdi Stadium. Reigning champions Senegal will headline the day’s action, taking on The Gambia in the afternoon. In the other Group C match, Somalia, making their second appearance at the finals, will face Tunisia. Concurrent with these matches, Group D’s opening games will also unfold. Mali, who secured a fourth-place finish in the previous edition, will face tournament debutants Angola. In the other Group D encounter, former champions Ivory Coast will aim for a strong start against the Central African Republic. The group stage promises intense competition and an early glimpse into the potential contenders for the championship title.
The meticulous planning and organization evident in the fixture schedule reflect CAF’s commitment to delivering a world-class youth tournament. The selection of diverse stadium locations ensures wider accessibility and participation from fans across Morocco, fostering a vibrant atmosphere throughout the competition. The staggered match timings provide ample opportunities for fans to follow their favorite teams and witness the emergence of future African football stars. Beyond the excitement of the competition itself, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 holds significant weight as a FIFA World Cup qualifying event. The tournament’s top performers will earn a place in the expanded 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Qatar later that year. Africa will be represented by an impressive ten teams at this global showcase, highlighting the continent’s growing influence in youth football development.
This tournament provides a valuable platform for young African talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. It offers a unique opportunity to gain experience, exposure, and recognition, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of African football as a whole. The meticulous scheduling ensures that every match receives its due attention, maximizing the exposure for the participating teams and players. The combination of competitive fixtures, world-class venues, and the added incentive of World Cup qualification sets the stage for a truly memorable and impactful tournament.
The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON has historically served as a launching pad for some of Africa’s most prominent footballing figures. This edition promises to be no different, with scouts and representatives from top clubs worldwide expected to be in attendance, eager to identify and nurture the next generation of African football stars. The tournament’s legacy extends beyond the crowning of a champion. It represents a crucial investment in the future of African football, fostering the development of young talent and contributing to the continent’s growing prominence on the global football stage. As the tournament unfolds, anticipation builds not only for the exciting matches but also for the potential emergence of new stars who could shape the future of African football.
