David GOMBE
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the details of the dates and venues for the forthcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament fixtures in Morocco.
This will be the 15 edition of the U-17 continental showpiece and will contested by 16 countries between 30th March to 19th April, 2025.
Uganda Cubs under the stewardship of Brian Ssenyondo will open the tournament with host nation Morocco on Saturday 30th March at El Bachir Stadium.
The following day 31st March, will see Tanzania take on Zambia in the other group A contest.
On the same day, Last edition’s bronze medallists Burkina Faso will battle with two time champions Cameroon at Casablanca’s Larbi Zaouli Stadium in the Group B tie.
Still in the same group, South Africa who are 2015 runners up will face off with 1997 champions Egypt in the final game of the day.
Group C and D fixtures will take place on Tuesday, 1 April with the reigning champions Senegal headlining the matches.
The defending champions take on The Gambia at the El Abdi Stadium, while Somalia, who are making their second appearance at the finals, face off against Tunisia.
In Group D, Mali, who finished fourth in the last edition, take on tournament debutants Angola, while former champions Cote d’Ivoire eye an opening victory against Central African Republic.
The U-17 AFCON Morocco 2025 also serves as a FIFA World Cup qualifier where Africa will be represented by 10 teams at the newly expanded showpiece set to take place in Qatar later this year.
The four stadiums that will host the matches are El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium and Berrechid Stadium, which are both Casablanca, as well as the El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida.
AFCON U-17 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, Cote d’Ivoire, Central African Republic
