CAN U20 2025: Tunisia, South Africa and teams in pursuit of their first title

The 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations kicks off on April 27, 2025, in Egypt. Spread across the cities of Cairo, Ismailia, and Suez, the thirteen (13) participating teams are embarking on this 24th edition of the tournament with clear ambitions. Among them, seven (07) squads are hoping to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.

An open tournament for new contenders

Among the 12 nations involved, several have never etched their names in the record books. This is the case for Tunisia, who were knocked out in the semi-finals in the 2021 edition by Uganda (4-1) and in 2023 by Senegal (3-0). This time, the Carthage U20 Eagles are determined to break new ground this year.

The same ambition drives South Africa, who have reached four semi-finals (1997, 2009, 2017, 2019) and one final (1997) without ever clinching the top prize. The young Bafana Bafana, placed in Group A alongside Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, are determined to make history in this 24th edition of the competition.

The outsiders: an opportunity to seize

Apart from Tunisia and South Africa, other teams also aspire to be crowned CAN U20 Champion for the first time. These include Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Kenya, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These five teams have never reached the final four. These outsiders aim to create a surprise and assert themselves on the continental stage.

The lineup for the CAF TotalEnergies Africa U20 Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025

Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Lydiane N'Po |

Editorfr, en

Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.